Hoax bomb threat triggers sweeps at Iloilo offices

ILOILO CITY — A bomb threat circulating on social media targeting the Iloilo City Hall and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on Sunday afternoon (June 14) prompted emergency sweeps by explosive ordnance disposal units before authorities later declared it a hoax.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said no explosives or hazardous materials were found in either government complex, both of which were cleared by around 4:30 p.m.

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Police Capt. Melchor Tolentino, officer-in-charge of Iloilo City Police Station 1, said authorities were alerted at about 2 p.m. after receiving screenshots of a threatening Facebook post.

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“Right there and then, we coordinated with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 to verify the account and immediately conducted bomb-sweeping operations in government buildings,” Tolentino said.

The threat came from a Facebook account using the name “Djbobzkie Montero,” which claimed bombs would be planted at the two government offices. The Iloilo City Government’s Public Information Office had earlier flagged the post at around 11 a.m., prompting coordination with police.

Explosives and canine units conducted systematic sweeps, clearing City Hall first before proceeding to the Provincial Capitol. Both buildings were later declared safe.

Authorities said the focus of the investigation has shifted to identifying the person behind the post, with the cybercrime unit now validating the account’s authenticity and origin.

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Tolentino said investigators are still assessing whether the profile is genuine or a dummy account.

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Police officials condemned the incident, saying it caused unnecessary fear and disrupted government operations.

City Police Director Col. Wilbert B. Parilla reminded the public that posting bomb threats online is punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Authorities have since tightened security at both government complexes, with patrols and on-site security personnel ordered to maintain heightened vigilance.

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The ICPO urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its hotlines. /dp