Woman arrested for bomb threat against Iloilo City school

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A woman accused of sending a bomb threat to an Iloilo City school last year was arrested on the morning of March 26 in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Alias Cate, 34, of Osmeña Street, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, was arrested along C1 Road, Barangay Sooc, Arevalo.

Personnel of Iloilo City Police Station 1 apprehended the suspect by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Presidential Decree 1727, or the law on Malicious Dissemination of False Information or the Willful Making of Any Threat Concerning Bombs, Explosives, or Any Similar Device or Means of Destruction, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Revised Penal Code.

Presidential Decree 1727, signed in 1980, penalizes the malicious dissemination of false information or threats involving bombs and explosives, carrying penalties of imprisonment. When committed through electronic means such as social media or messaging platforms, the offense is elevated under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which imposes penalties one degree higher than those prescribed for the base offense.

Judge Cyril R. Regalado of the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 31, Iloilo City, issued the arrest warrant on March 23, 2026.

A PHP 60,000 bail bond was set for her temporary liberty.

Capt. Michael Tuburan, Iloilo City Police Station 1 chief, said the suspect allegedly issued a bomb threat targeting Ramon Avanceña National High School on Nov. 18, 2025.

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 filed the case, with the arrest warrant issued on Nov. 27, 2025.

She is currently detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 6 custodial facility pending further proceedings.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Police Regional Office-6 director, commended the operating unit and reiterated the Philippine National Police’s firm stance against the spread of false and alarming information.

“We strongly warn the public against making or spreading false information, especially those that cause panic and fear such as bomb threats. These acts are punishable under the law, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against offenders,” he said.

Ligan added that what happened to the suspect and others who were charged for similar violations should serve as a reminder that responsible use of technology and social media is everyone’s duty.

The PRO-6 also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or unlawful activities, while promoting responsible digital citizenship.