ILOILO City – Police said the P100,000 reward offered for information on the wave of bomb threats disrupting several Iloilo City schools cannot yet be released, stressing that the case involving a 15-year-old student who admitted to one of the threats is only part of a broader and still-unfolding investigation into multiple perpetrators.
ICPO spokesperson Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines said the grandmother of the teen — who turned him in to authorities — cannot immediately receive the reward because it must undergo validation and approval from the city government.
“We have a process to follow, and we need proper validation and deliberation with the city government first,” Sangrines said.
The student’s guardian voluntarily surrendered him and helped explain the circumstances of the threat sent to Fort San Pedro National High School.
Minor may face charges once discernment is established
The 15-year-old may still be held criminally liable depending on the outcome of the psychological and social assessments now being conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
“If it is proven that he had discernment, he may face charges. If not, he will undergo intervention instead,” Sangrines said.
The student earlier confessed that he sent the bomb threat “because he was bored.”
Probe widens; other suspects being tracked
Despite the teen’s admission, ICPO said the case is far from resolved, as other schools received threats believed to be sent by different individuals or groups.
“Beyond the 15-year-old student, we are following leads on other persons of interest. The investigation continues and has not stopped,” Sangrines confirmed.
She added that a new bomb threat was reported in another school late last week, but classes were not suspended after the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team assessed the situation on-site.
“We checked and investigated it right away with the EOD. Not all bomb threats require immediate class suspension — this depends on the assessment,” she explained.
ICPO issues warning
Sangrines also issued a stern warning to those behind the remaining threats.
“We warn any person or group sending bomb threats that they will face charges. We will not tolerate this kind of act,” she said./PN
