Authorities in Pangasinan have filed charges against a janitor accused of posting a bomb joke online that triggered alarm at a university in Dagupan City and prompted a months-long police investigation, officials said.

The case stemmed from a social media post in August 2025 that caused concern among students and school officials after a bomb joke circulated online.

Police launched an investigation to identify the person behind the post. Early Monday, authorities raided a house in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan where the suspect was believed to be staying.

Officers confiscated 17 mobile phones and several gadgets during the operation.

“Upon case build up, na-trace natin ang kinaroroonan niya kung saan ang location niya at bahay niya kaya pinuntahan natin,” Police Lieutenant Daves Anastacio, deputy chief of Station 1 of the Dagupan City Police Office, said.

Police said the suspect told investigators he did not expect authorities to seriously pursue the case.

“Share ko lang na noong nasa bahay na kami ang sabi niya nagulat siya at hindi niya raw alam na seryoso pala talaga na inimbestigahan, hindi niya alam na alarming ang ginawa niya,” Anastacio said.

Authorities said charges have already been filed and they are awaiting the release of a warrant from the court.

Police reiterated that bomb threats and bomb jokes are treated as serious offenses under Philippine law.

Under Presidential Decree 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, making false bomb threats or spreading misinformation involving explosives is prohibited.