The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has intensified security measures in schools as it investigates an online bomb threat targeting a public high school in the city.

In a statement, DCPO said it has launched an investigation to validate an alleged bomb threat that circulated online targeting a public high school.

DCPO did not identify the school. However, investigators are tracing the origin of the post and the person behind the account responsible for the threat.

“To ensure the absolute safety of the community, the DCPO is working in close coordination with school authorities, barangay officials, and concerned government agencies,” DCPO said.

DCPO reminded the public that making threats online, whether intended as a joke, prank, or serious statement, may result in criminal charges and other legal consequences.

Authorities emphasized that all threats against educational institutions are treated with the utmost seriousness.

“We urge the public to remain calm, refrain from sharing unverified posts that trigger unnecessary panic, and immediately report any relevant information to the nearest police station,” DCPO said.

On Monday, police personnel conducted mandatory bag inspections, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) clearing operations, and increased police visibility, and information dissemination activities in schools.

Strict mandatory bag inspections were conducted for students, teachers, school personnel, and visitors before they are allowed to enter the school premises as part of the enhanced security protocol.

The inspections aim to prevent the entry of contraband, deadly weapons, and other suspicious items.

Personnel from the City Explosive and Canine Unit (CECU) have remained deployed to conduct continuous EOD and K9 inspection operations both inside and around school premises to further strengthen school security.

“These proactive security measures are intended to detect and prevent potential threats, provide reassurance to students, teachers, school personnel, and help ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to learning,” DCPO said.

“The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) continues to work closely with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) in the ongoing investigation to identify the individual responsible for the bomb threat posted through a Facebook account,” it added.