Iloilo school suspends classes after hoax bomb threat

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City temporarily suspended classes on Wednesday, November 12, after receiving a bomb threat that later turned out to be a hoax.

No explosive device was found at the USA Basic Education Department campus in Barangay Sambag, Jaro district, following a thorough inspection.

Captain Mavin Laraño, chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 3, said the threat was sent via Facebook Messenger to one of the school publication’s pages.

The message, sent by a user with the handle “Sarah Bautista,” read, “I have planted 6 timed bombs in the campus, 2 at the kinder building and 4 at the main building. Some are set to turn off this morning. This is due to the unjust treatment of some teachers to students. Goodluck.”

A Grade 10 member of The Junior Augustinian received the message at 7:27 a.m. and immediately took a screenshot before alerting classmates and school personnel.

The school’s safety officer was informed and quickly contacted Lieutenant Leo Angelo Castro of the Iloilo City Police Office–Special Weapons and Tactics (ICPO-SWAT) team, who then coordinated with the Jaro police station.

Police and SWAT operatives immediately responded to the scene.

Laraño said students were promptly evacuated to the football field, which was deemed a safe distance from the buildings.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team conducted a sweep of the premises and declared the campus clear at 10:26 a.m.

No bombs or explosive materials were found.

Police are now tracing the identity of the Facebook user behind the threat, with assistance from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU).

Investigators are also verifying claims that the sender was a former student of the school.

Laraño said the principal denied receiving any formal complaints about alleged mistreatment by teachers.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, reminded the public that issuing or spreading bomb threats is a criminal offense under Philippine law.

“Bomb jokes or threats, whether made in person or online, can create panic, endanger lives, and waste vital resources. Let us act responsibly and work together to keep our schools safe, so our students can learn without fear or trauma,” Legada said.

He said the ICPO is working closely with cybercrime experts and school authorities to identify the suspect and file appropriate charges.

The police urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to report suspicious messages or activities through 911 or the ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 and (033) 335-0299.