Pangasinan: The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) has assured the safety of schools in the province amid hoax threats. In a phone interview on Monday, Pangasinan PPO information officer Capt. Aileen Catugas said bomb threats received by some schools were immediately checked and verified. She said that while most of the threats were hoaxes, they still take them seriously by deploying augmentation forces in schools.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest threat was made by a minor who was put under custodial procedure on Sunday afternoon following a cyber investigation, intelligence monitoring, and follow-up operations. In a statement on Sunday night, Pangasinan PPO Officer-in-Charge Col. Dennis De Leon said the materials used in the video threat were seized, including a pellet (toy) gun and a baseball bat.

"The seized materials are under the custody of the Rosales Municipal Police Station as evidence. Based on the guidelines, the minor will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for intervention and other appropriate processes," he said.

De Leon said they have strengthened police visibility and foot and mobile patrols in schools and other crowded areas to ensure peace and order. "We wanted to emphasize that we take every reported threat seriously. No reported threat is taken for granted and we take all necessary measures to protect the public," he said.

He advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information and instead report suspicious individuals or activities to the authorities. "Likewise, we warn anyone using social media or any other means of communication to spread false information, bomb threats, shooting threats, or any other threats that cause fear, alarm, and panic in the community. Those who are proven responsible will face criminal liability under the law," he said.