UST evacuated after bomb threat, suspends in-person classes, work on Oct. 24

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) suspended in-person classes on Saturday following a bomb threat that prompted the evacuation of campus buildings on Friday night.

In an advisory, the university said classes at all levels would shift to an enriched virtual mode of instruction, while employees would work remotely as a “further precautionary measure.”

UST said police were conducting a thorough inspection of the Manila campus and that the university would provide updates once authorities submitted their report.

According to the Manila Police District, two alleged bomb threat letters were found separately on the second and fourth floors of the UST Medicine Building.

The MPD said a housekeeping staff member was alerted by a female student from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences about a letter discovered atop a toilet tank on the fourth floor.

The letter claimed a bomb had been planted on campus and warned of further possible threats over the weekend, when fewer people were expected to be on the premises.

The housekeeping staff member later found another letter on the second floor of the Medicine Building while checking other restrooms. The letter carried a similar warning of possible bomb threats over the weekend. She then reported the matter to university security personnel and the police.

Photos released by student publication The Varsitarian showed students evacuating the Main Building, St. Raymund de Peñafort Building, St. Martin de Porres Building, and the Tan Yan Kee Student Center due to the security threat.

“We urge people with information to come forward,” UST said. “We also remind everyone that safety is a shared responsibility and collective concern. Such disruptive acts are not taken lightly, and appropriate measures will be taken to address those behind these acts.” — VBL, GMA News

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