A parcel left outside of a house raised alarm in Barangay San Vicente, Jaro District, Iloilo City morning on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Residents surmised that the box contained a bomb.

According to a certain Larry, owner of the house, he was surprised to find a parcel beside his house since he has not ordered anything.

Larry said he reported immediately the matter to the barangay and to the police.

“First time na nangyari ito,” Larry said.

A member of the barangay tanod (village watchman), Theresa Evangelista, said she borrowed a cellphone to call 911, an emergency hotline. 

“Nanghiram ako ng cellphone at tumawag sa 911 regarding sa parcel na huwag hawakan baka ano. Agad-agad finallow-up namin sa police station at nagresponde agad ang pulis,” Evangelista said.

Police cordoned off the area as soon as they arrived.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team inspected the parcel.

When the parcel was opened, it was revealed that it contained empty pizza boxes.

Based on police investigation, the said parcel was stolen from an apartment in Barangay Arguelles, Jaro and was left in Barangay San Vicente.

In a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage taken by the barangay, a man was seen carrying the parcel. He was seen opening it to check the content, and left it outside of a residence after.

Police suspected that the man could have been frustrated upon finding out about the empty pizza boxes and left these in the area instead.

“Ang nakikita nating lalaki na nakasombrero na puti, naka-shorts off white, naka-black na t-shirt at naka-tsinelas. Yan ang ifo-follow up natin,” said Iloilo City Police Station 9 Chief, Major Eduardo Siacon, Jr.

The police have a person of interest already but are verifying yet if he was with an accomplice.