BACOLOD City — The Philippine National Police has launched an investigation to identify the individual behind a social media post threatening to bomb several establishments in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, prompting authorities to conduct security inspections over the weekend.
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the San Carlos City Police Station (CPS) is coordinating with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit to trace the person behind the Facebook account allegedly responsible for the bomb threat posted on Saturday, July 11.
Authorities are also coordinating with other concerned agencies as the investigation continues.
The security operation was launched after police monitored an alleged bomb threat posted in the public Facebook group “6127 Marketplace San Carlos City” by an account identified as “Jim San.”
The post allegedly threatened to plant bombs in schools and several establishments in the city, including a business process outsourcing (BPO) company and the venue of an ongoing job fair.
At around 4:30 p.m., personnel of the San Carlos CPS, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) San Carlos K9 Unit and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), conducted bomb detection inspections at the San Carlos City Auditorium in Barangay 4, VIAST Outsource Solutions along East Carmona Street in Barangay 4, and Empire One BPO along the Eco Translink Highway in Barangay 2.
The PCG deployed a bomb detection canine to assist in the inspections.
Following thorough security checks, authorities found no explosives or suspicious items in any of the locations identified in the online threat.
As a precautionary measure, police advised the management and employees of BPO firms and other establishments to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious individuals, unattended packages, or unusual activities to the nearest police station or through the 911 emergency hotline.
Police Brigadier General Romano V. Cardiño, PRO-NIR regional director, said authorities responded swiftly to ensure public safety and are determined to hold the person responsible accountable.
“The immediate response of our personnel and partner agencies reflects our commitment to ensuring public safety. While the inspection yielded negative results, we treat every reported threat with utmost seriousness,” Cardiño said.
He assured the public that PRO-NIR remains vigilant and is working closely with cybercrime investigators to identify the individual behind the alarming social media post.
Cardiño also urged the public to remain calm, stay alert, and refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear or panic.
PRO-NIR reminded the public that making bomb threats is a serious offense under Philippine law. Individuals who issue false bomb threats—whether through social media or any other platform—may face criminal charges.
The police likewise encouraged the public to use social media responsibly and promptly report suspicious online posts or threats to law enforcement authorities for immediate verification and appropriate action./PN
