Iloilo seeks tech, gov’t support to curb bomb threats

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City government is seeking urgent assistance from national agencies and technology companies to identify those behind a wave of bomb threats that have disrupted classes, alarmed communities, and threatened public safety.

On Wednesday, the City Council approved a resolution urging the Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Telecommunications Commission, Meta, and the National Bureau of Investigation to provide immediate technical support to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), which is leading the investigation.

“The City of Iloilo has been plagued by a series of bomb threats targeting schools and other institutions, causing widespread fear, disruption of classes, and inconvenience to students, parents, and school personnel,” Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, author of the resolution, said.

From Nov. 12 to 19, the ICPO recorded 31 bomb threats, all of which were confirmed hoaxes.

Cabaluna said the incidents forced class suspensions, triggered student evacuations, and disrupted academic schedules during critical periods such as final examinations.

He added that the threats also affected the livelihoods of local vendors and workers who rely on school communities for daily income.

“The safety and security of students, educators, and the general public are of paramount importance,” Cabaluna said. “There is an urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to address this issue and prevent further incidents.”

He said the agencies and technology firms have the capability to trace the origin of the threats, analyze digital evidence, and identify the individuals or groups responsible.

Cabaluna said investigations by the ICPO, NBI, and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit found that the perpetrators used online platforms and dummy accounts to send the threats, complicating digital tracing efforts.

“The situation is really complex because it involves capabilities to track people on a digital platform,” he said.

He warned that deleting or locking social media profiles does not prevent authorities from tracking users through digital forensics.

To improve long-term readiness, the council also proposed training for police, school administrators, and security personnel on bomb threat response.

The program aims to strengthen campus safety protocols and prepare institutions for similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. announced a PHP 100,000 reward for information leading to the identification or arrest of those behind the threats.

He made the announcement after leading an inter-agency meeting on Nov. 19 to coordinate the government’s response.

“There are agencies that will help us. The investigation is underway, and we are glad that our agencies are collaborating,” Defensor said.

“There are leads, and with the use of technology, the possibilities are narrowing down. Give it a little time — the investigation is progressing, and we will hit the mark,” he added.

He said the reward applies to any information that results in the concrete identification or arrest of suspects and urged swift action to stem the spread of bomb threats across schools and public spaces.

Iloilo City earlier offered a similar PHP 100,000 reward for helpful information.

In a separate interview, Defensor said the provincial government is prepared to activate standard protocols if the Iloilo Provincial Capitol becomes a target.

“We are ready to execute the protocol in case of bomb threats, but first we should investigate fast,” he said.

Also on Wednesday, the Department of Education Region VI issued a statement condemning the threats made against public and private schools and universities across Western Visayas.

DepEd-6 reiterated that the safety of students, faculty, and staff is the highest priority.

The agency instructed schools to conduct immediate evacuation upon receiving credible threats, coordinate with the PNP Explosives and Ordnance Division for verification and clearing, and suspend classes and work until facilities are declared safe.

DepEd also urged schools to maintain open communication lines, strengthen security awareness, and cooperate fully with disaster risk reduction councils and law enforcement.

Classes may shift to alternative delivery modes during suspensions, and psychological first aid will be provided to affected learners and personnel to support their mental well-being.