Minor identified as source of Occidental Mindoro school bomb threats

Occidental Mindoro. INQUIRER FILES

CALAPAN CITY, Occidental Mindoro — Police have identified a minor as the person behind a series of bomb threat messages sent to several schools in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, prompting security operations and alarm among students, teachers, and parents.

The Sablayan Municipal Police Station, together with the Police Regional Office Mimaropa’s Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit, traced the source of the messages following an investigation into the incident that affected schools in Barangay Sta. Lucia on July 13.

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Authorities said the suspect used a Facebook Messenger account under the name “Ikaw Bahala” to send the bomb threat messages.

During a case conference on July 15 attended by police officers, school administrators, a guidance counselor, and the child’s parents, the minor’s father confirmed that the child admitted sending the false threats.

Following the incident, police conducted security assessments and clearing operations with the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit, the 405th Brigade, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, and other partner agencies.

Authorities said no explosives or signs of an actual threat were found after inspections of the affected schools. Classes and school operations have since resumed.

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Lt. Col. Wilson B. Cuevo, Sablayan police chief, said the incident underscored the importance of close coordination among law enforcement, schools, parents, and partner agencies in ensuring community safety.

He also reminded the public that making bomb threats is a serious offense that causes fear, disrupts education, and wastes government resources.

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Cuevo urged parents to guide their children in the responsible use of social media and other online platforms. /jpv

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