Bomb threat pranksters still face charges in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) said individuals behind a series of hoax bomb threats in November 2025 remain under investigation and may still face charges.

Police Col. Bayani Razalan, IPPO director, said investigators continue to work with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 and other government agencies to trace the digital footprints of those responsible.

From Nov. 12 to 20, the IPPO recorded 27 bomb threat incidents involving 23 schools, one barangay hall, and a town plaza across the province.

Police said two suspects have already been charged in court in connection with the incidents.

A 19-year-old vlogger from Barangay Poblacion East, Oton, Iloilo, was charged for sending a hoax bomb threat to Oton National High School.

More than a week later, police also charged alias Ed, 46, of Jaro, Iloilo City, who is currently residing in Badiangan, Iloilo.

The Badiangan Municipal Police Station filed a criminal complaint against Ed before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for violating Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalizes malicious dissemination of false bomb threats, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Police said the case breakthrough resulted from an intensive, multi-agency investigation.

Investigators traced the threats to a registered mobile phone number linked to a Facebook account named “Milestone,” which was used to send the messages.

Based on this lead, the IPPO secured a court order on Dec. 15, 2025, authorizing a digital forensic examination that provided definitive identification of the suspect.

Police said the incidents began on Nov. 19, 2025, when Badiangan National High School received a Messenger message claiming a bomb had been planted on campus.

The following day, Tina National High School, also in Badiangan, received a similar threat from the same account, authorities said.

The IPPO said the hoax threats caused significant disruption to classes and affected peace and order in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, Razalan said police are also preparing a possible case against a 15-year-old female student from Guimbal.

Investigators said the minor allegedly used her mother’s mobile phone to send a bomb threat.

“We’re still waiting for the assessment result of the social worker if she acted with discernment,” Razalan said.

He said a case will be filed if the evaluation shows the minor acted with discernment.

Razalan issued a stern warning against using social media to spread fear and panic.

“They have corresponding consequences,” he said.

“And we will make sure that you will face the consequences of what you did,” Razalan added.

He said the IPPO remains committed to using all available technology and inter-agency coordination to ensure that those who threaten public safety are held accountable.