A bomb threat posted online stirred a school in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte and prompted the suspension of classes in the town.
The man responsible for the post surrendered later on September 10, 2024.
When the supposed threat surfaced and spread online, students and teachers of Sto. Tomas National High School were told to leave school.
“Wala mi’y laing advice kun dili i-evacuate gyud ang area to make sure nga wala’y tao nga mabilin. If ever tinood, at least, wala’y casualty nga mahitabo. Para sa atoa karon, maniguro ta, ato gyu’ng i-secure ang kinabuhi sa atoang mga estudyante, ilabi na sa atoang mga teacher pud. Mao na’y mandato sa atoang mga kapulisan, i-secure ang area,” Sto. Tomas Mayor Roland Dejesica said.
Classes in other private and public schools in the town were suspended temporarily.
Personnel of the Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit were deployed immediately to check the entire school.
“Immediately, I dispatched our personnel to secure the area and then we contacted the EOD K-9 for the paneling,” Sto. Tomas Municipal Police Station Acting Chief, Col. Ray Sorreda, said.
After the inspection, authorities declared that the threat was a hoax.
The man who made the Facebook post surrendered in the afternoon. He was identified as alias “Bob,” 28, resident of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
“We conducted follow up operation so naa tay nakita nga tao nga nagamit nato nga pag-locate sa location sa tao. After ato naay negotiation nga nahitabo until such time nga nag-surrender siya,” Sorreda said.
Police said the man made the post when he allegedly saw online posts about bombing. He said he did not know that posting bomb threat is prohibited and claimed that he has no intention to cause public alarm and panic.
The man is now under police custody and will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1727 or declaring as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.
Classes have since resumed.
The school reminded the public to be responsible in posting and sharing information online.