PRO-6 pushes school-based bomb threat awareness drive

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Amid a series of bomb threats, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is considering tighter coordination with learning institutions to strengthen campus security.

In a press statement Wednesday, Nov. 19, PRO-6 said the Regional Explosive Canine Unit will engage school security managers in a specialized bomb threat awareness orientation to enhance preparedness at the institutional level.

The move was agreed upon after Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, convened a small group meeting to refine operational strategies.

Authorities have not yet announced when the initiative will begin.

Ligan called on the public to remain calm but vigilant.

“PRO-6 strongly urges all schools to strengthen their internal security measures and maintain close coordination with law enforcement authorities,” he said.

In a press conference Wednesday, Iloilo City Police Office director Col. Kim Legada underscored the importance of strong security protocols in schools and universities.

“If you are confident that you have stringent security, why be bothered?” he said.

Over the past three days, PRO-6 said police units have been responding to multiple bomb threats directed at schools across the region.

No explosive devices have been found in any of the reported locations.

The repeated incidents have disrupted classes and created fear among students, teachers, and parents.

From Nov. 12 to noon of Nov. 19, the Iloilo City Police Office received 26 bomb threats involving 15 schools and one commercial establishment.

Over the same period, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office recorded 18 bomb threats involving 17 schools.

“PRO-6 strongly condemns these malicious acts designed to create panic and disturb public order,” the statement said.

Since the first report, PRO-6 said it has maintained full deployment of the Regional Explosive Canine Unit and local police stations to conduct inspections and clearing operations in all affected schools.

The agency said it is intensifying efforts to identify the source of the threats, noting that investigators are developing possible leads toward the suspect’s identity.

A series of coordination meetings has been held with local government units, school institutions, the National Telecommunications Commission 6, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology 6 to expedite the investigation and strengthen response protocols.

Ligan warned that issuing bomb threats, whether real or hoax, is a serious criminal offense.

Individuals found guilty may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to PHP 40,000, or both, as provided by law.