BACOLOD City — Following two bomb threats reported in Negros Occidental, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has intensified coordination with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and information and communications technology (ICT) experts to address the incidents.
The first threat occurred in Himamaylan City around 12:59 p.m. on November 19, when the West Visayas State University – Himamaylan Campus received a bomb threat allegedly linked to “unfair treatment of faculty and staff to students.” A similar threat was reported the following day, November 20, at approximately 1:30 a.m., targeting the Central Philippines State University in Kabankalan City.
Both incidents were immediately responded to by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 teams and local personnel, with initial inspections yielding negative results. Chiefs of police in Himamaylan and Kabankalan were instructed to coordinate with the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) regarding the threats.
PRO NIR director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay ordered the activation of enhanced cyber-monitoring, digital forensics support, and technical investigation protocols to ensure all bomb threats—whether sent online, via mobile messaging, or through anonymous digital platforms—are traced, validated, and acted upon swiftly.
“Our priority is public safety. We are working closely with cybercrime investigators and ICT specialists to identify the sources of these threats and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable,” Ibay said.
Through this strengthened partnership, PRO NIR and ACG units are now implementing real-time digital monitoring and rapid tracing of online or electronic bomb threats. Technical assistance includes analyzing digital footprints, metadata, and communication patterns, while continuous intelligence sharing is conducted among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and ICT stakeholders.
PRO NIR also ensures the swift deployment of EOD and K9 units to areas reported to have received threats. The office is stepping up community awareness efforts to encourage timely reporting while preventing unnecessary panic through local police stations.
“All reported threats are treated with the utmost seriousness, and all security protocols are in place to protect communities across the region,” Ibay added.
He called on the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative.
“False bomb threats disrupt peace and cause undue panic, but they are crimes with serious consequences. PRO NIR will relentlessly pursue those who spread fear through digital means,” Ibay said./PN
