Hoax bomb threat hits Masbate’s public largest high school

By Ernie Delgado

MASBATE CITY --- A bomb threat targeting the government-operated Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) in Masbate City on Sunday afternoon, July 5, prompted emergency sweeps by the explosive ordnance disposal unit.

Authorities later declared the threat a hoax.

The Masbate National Comprehensive High School releases an official statement, saying that:

Classes at Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) continue as scheduled after authorities declared a reported bomb threat and bomb-joke post on the school’s official Facebook page to be a hoax.

In an official statement, the school administration said it immediately coordinated with the Masbate City Police Station, the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, and the Canine Unit after receiving information about the online threat.

The responding teams conducted a thorough inspection of the school campus and confirmed that no improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found.

The administration added that the incident has been referred to the police Anti-Cybercrime Unit for investigation to identify the individual responsible for the Facebook post.

MNCHS reminded the public that making bomb threats or bomb jokes is a serious offense that can cause unnecessary fear and disruption. The school warned that those responsible may face administrative, civil, or criminal liability after being referred to the Philippine National Police or the City Social Welfare and Development Office, if applicable.

Despite the incident, the school assured parents, students, faculty members, and the community that it remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. It said regular classes will continue while security measures are further strengthened to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.”

In a statement, MNCHS officials confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found on the school’s twin campuses, which were cleared by around 6 p.m.

The alleged threat was sent as a comment and direct message on the official Facebook page of the school, located in Barangay Centro.

Personnel from the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit conducted a thorough inspection of the school premises to check for any explosive devices or suspicious objects on both the main and annex campuses.

The MNCHS authorities have formally requested the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5 to investigate the Facebook account that posted the bomb threat.

According to the Anti-Bomb Joke Law in the Philippines, anyone who makes bomb jokes or maliciously spreads false bomb threats could face imprisonment for up to five years.

Despite the incident, the MNCHS decided to continue classes on Monday.

However, the Masbate Police Office has increased security measures at the MNCHS campuses, which serve over 10,000 students, deploying additional police officers to work alongside the school’s security personnel.

In Camarines Norte province, classes in all schools were canceled on Monday due to a “security threat directed at educational institutions” on Sunday, according to Governor Ricarte Padilla.

In an advisory, Padilla said that “while the matter is being assessed by the proper authorities, the provincial government is acting with utmost caution to ensure the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, school personnel, and the general public.”

He urged the public to remain calm and to continue seeking updates from local government sources.

Meanwhile, students, teachers, and school staff may use the class suspension to prepare for the expected arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi, he added. (PIA)