Manila: The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) has intensified its campaign against bomb threat hoaxes targeting schools, warning that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Since May 1, PRO-3 has tightened security measures following a series of bomb threat reports involving educational institutions across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, police immediately validated each report, increased visibility in and around school campuses, and coordinated with school officials, local government units, and partner agencies to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel. Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, K9 units, and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 3 were deployed to respond to every reported threat while tracing the sources of malicious messages sent through social media, email, messaging applications, and other digital platforms.
From May 1 to date, PRO-3 recorded 47 bomb threat reports involving schools in Central Luzon. All were later confirmed as hoaxes. Despite this, authorities said every report was treated as a legitimate threat, causing class disruptions, public alarm, and the diversion of police resources from other law enforcement and emergency operations.
Police investigation has resulted in the arrest of two 18-year-old suspects, one each in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. Both are facing appropriate criminal charges. PRO-3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez stated that bomb threat hoaxes are serious criminal offenses that create fear, disrupt education, and waste government resources.
"Bomb threats are not pranks - they are criminal acts. The recent arrests in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija send a clear message that no one can hide behind anonymous accounts or electronic devices. We will continue to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable under the law," Mendez said.
Mendez also urged students, parents, school officials, and social media users to use digital platforms responsibly and immediately report suspicious messages, calls, or activities to the nearest police station or through the 911 emergency hotline. PRO-3 said it remains committed to protecting learners, strengthening cyber-enabled investigations, and working with communities and partner agencies to keep schools safe and conducive to learning under the Philippine National Police's focused agenda.
