The Philippine National Police has ordered an investigation into a series of bomb scares that disrupted classes in eight schools in San Fernando, Pampanga, warning those behind the threats that they will face the full force of the law.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office 3, the San Fernando City Police Station, and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to intensify efforts to identify the individuals behind the online bomb threats.
Nartatez also ordered police units to strengthen cyber patrols to detect similar threats against schools and ensure that appropriate criminal charges are filed once those responsible are identified.
The move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure swift law enforcement action against individuals who use digital platforms to spread fear and disrupt public services.
“We take every bomb threat seriously because the safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel is our highest priority,” Nartatez said.
Eight schools in San Fernando were declared safe after police responded to bomb threats that circulated on Facebook. The affected schools were Potrero National High School and Duat, San Antonio, Balas, Sta. Barbara, Bacolor, Potrero, and Parulog Elementary Schools, all located within the same compound.
The Pampanga Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit inspected the schools and found no explosive materials. Classes resumed after authorities declared the areas safe.
“I commend our responding police units and the Explosive and Canine Unit for their swift actions that ensured the schools were thoroughly inspected and declared safe. We will continue to investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
“While no explosive devices were found, incidents like this disrupt education and create unnecessary fear in our communities. The PNP will pursue all investigative leads, including the digital trail of those behind these threats, and we will not tolerate acts that endanger public safety,” he added.