Bomb threat disrupts classes in Davao school

Police and school personnel gather outside the Cabantian National High School after the school received a bomb threat on Wednesday morning. Photo courtesy of DCPO

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 21 January) – Classes at Cabantian National High School in Country Homes, Barangay Cabantian, Davao City, were disrupted on Wednesday after the school received a bomb threat from an anonymous individual via Facebook Messenger.

A teacher immediately reported to authorities that one of the students received a message at 6:29 a.m. from one “Dumpni Jo,” warning them that a bomb had been placed inside the campus, said Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office.

The message read: “Good morning, Cabantian National High School. This is not a prank. Listen to my every word, because if you don’t, anyone who dies today will be on your conscience… The clock is ticking.”

Another message from the same individual said that the explosive device had been placed on the third floor of the school’s old Peace Building.

Tuazon said all students and teachers were immediately evacuated to the nearby gymnasium for their safety, following receipt of the threat.

The police official added that personnel from the Davao City EOD-K9 Unit conducted a thorough inspection and paneling of the entire school premises for the supposed bomb but found nothing.

She said the mobile phone that received the threatening message will be turned over to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 11 to determine the sender.

In a statement, acting DCPO director Col. Mannan Muarip warned the public that their office takes all “bomb threats with utmost seriousness.”

He said that “issuing, spreading, or even joking about bomb threats is a serious crime punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727.”

“Anyone found responsible for creating or circulating false bomb reports will be held fully accountable under the law. These threats not only endanger lives but also undermine the peace and security of our city,” he said.

The law punishes any individual “making or spreading false information about bombs, explosives, or similar threats,” with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to P40,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.

“Such acts, whether real or meant as a prank, create unnecessary fear, disrupt public order, and waste valuable law enforcement and emergency resources,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)