Police reminded the public, especially students, to avoid making bomb jokes after a recent bomb threat disrupted the operations of a public school in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

Authorities said the threat, which caused alarm in a local school, was later traced to a 15-year-old student.

The police conducted an investigation immediately and coordinated with the school administration.

“Pinatawag natin siya sa police station kasama ang kanyang guardian, at according sa kanyang sinabi wala siyang intention na masamang gawin kaya lang nangyari na nagkaroon ng alarm,” PLtCol. Perlito Tuayon, chief of Mangaldan Police Station, said.

The incident prompted tighter security measures in local schools, including Anolid Elementary School, where teachers and staff have been extra cautious to ensure the safety of students.

“Dito sa atin talagang istrikto po kapag sa security, ‘yan ang number one para matiyak ang safety ng mga bata,” Rolly Igros, Master Teacher I of Anolid Elementary School, said.

Meanwhile, some parents have also expressed concern amid reports of recent earthquakes and school threats in other areas.

“Syempre ‘yung sa safety ng apo ko ang mahalaga,” Loreta Gorospe, a grandmother who fetches her grandchild from school, said.

Police warned that anyone found making bomb jokes could face criminal charges.