Two schools in Pangasinan received bomb threats that authorities found later as a hoax. 

The Mangaldan National High School first received a threat on February 18, 2023, a Sunday, via a councilor’s social media page.

The Explosive Ordnance Division and Canine Group of the Mangaldan PNP inspected the school and found no bomb, which the school administration also confirmed. 

Parents and students who live near the school could not help but be concerned about the potential dangers to safety. 

"Siyempre, natakot kami kasi baka kung ano mangyari sa amin, buti nalang nalaman namin yun kaya natakot kami na baka may bomba talaga," Drexel Suarez, a grade 11 student, said.

"Maganda mahigpitan para hindi kami mag-alala sa mga anak [namin], siyempre nakakaniyerbiyos kapag andoon kami sa bahay," Juvy Quinto, a parent, said.

In response to the incident, the school implemented a "No Visitor Pass, No Entry" policy.

Meanwhile, the day after on February 19, 2024, classes at Pangasinan National High School in Lingayen were disrupted after the school also received a bomb threat.

Authorities suspended classes at all levels immediately. 

No bomb was found upon inspection.

As of this writing, authorities are investigating the incidents to identify the source of the threats.

Police said these hoaxes aim to create public panic and fear, and advised that whoever receives one coordinates quickly with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Makipag-ugnayan [ang publiko] sa PNP agad para mai-handle ng maayos, kasi isang intention ng mga gumagawa nito [ng bomb threat] is to create public panic or fear na ma-instill sa ating mga mamayan to affect their daily activities,” PLTCOL. Roldan Cabatan, the Chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.