Parents in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are growing anxious after a wave of bomb jokes disrupted several schools in the province in recent weeks. Police have tightened security, while school officials urge vigilance to keep children safe.

"Nakakatakot siyempre kaya hinihintay ko para alam ko ang seguridad ng anak ko," Jennifer Balolong, who fetches her Grade 1 child from Anolid Elementary School personally, said.

Police said a private school in Mangaldan was among those targeted.

"Tumawag agad tayo ng bomb squad and agad natin icheck ang nakapost sa social media," PMaj. Ronald Bautista, deputy chief of Mangaldan Police Station, said.

As a precaution, schools have imposed stricter policies. Outsiders are barred from entering, and private vehicles are no longer allowed to park in school grounds.

"May policy naman tayong sinusunod dito na bawal ang mga sumusunod sa loob ng school atsaka kung may bisita dapat ma-identify muna natin," Dr. Jocelyn Corpuz, principal of Anolid Elementary School, said.

According to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, at least four schools have received bomb jokes in the last two weeks: Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, and most recently Bugallon.

Authorities are investigating whether a single person or group is behind the incidents.

“Mayroon na kaming lead hinggil sa taong nasa likod nito pero sa ngayon ina-assure muna namin na ang proseso na ginagawa natin katuwang ang PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group ay naaayon sa batas, hindi tayo titigil hanggang hindi napapanagot ang nasa likod ng insidente na ito,” PCapt. Aileen Catugas, spokesperson of Pangasinan PPO, said.

Police urged the public to refrain from spreading false alarms, stressing that bomb jokes disrupt education and drain law enforcement resources.