A 19-year-old college student was arrested at the University of Batangas in Batangas City on Thursday, August 28, 2025, after allegedly making a bomb threat at the campus gate.

According to the University of Batangas, the incident happened at around 10:30 a.m. when a security guard asked the student about his purpose for entering.

The suspect reportedly replied, “Saan pwedeng maglagay ng bomba?”

The guard followed security protocol immediately by denying him entry and alerting the university’s security team and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Officers from the Batangas City Police Station responded and took the student into custody.

Police said the student, who is from a different school, claimed he went to the University of Batangas to pay his sibling’s tuition fee. His belongings were inspected but no explosives were found.

The student said later his statement was only a joke but authorities still charged him for violating Presidential Decree No. 1727, which punishes the spread of false information about bombs and explosives.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a heavy fine.

He remains in the custody of the Batangas City Police Station for preliminary investigation.