A bomb threat against three universities in Bohol circulated online Monday, prompting security inspections and the suspension of classes at Bohol Island State University (BISU) as the province marked World Teachers’ Day.
The anonymous post named Holy Name University (HNU), University of Bohol (UB), and BISU.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap said authorities had not confirmed whether the threat was genuine, as Tagbilaran police chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy led the investigation.
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and investigating the reported threat.
‘Let us inform everyone that, together with our police, we are on top of the situation regarding the bomb threat spreading online targeting various universities, and we are currently conducting an investigation,’ Aumentado said.
BISU suspended classes and academic activities in all its campuses in Tagbilaran, Candijay, Balilihan, Bilar, Calape and Clarin for the remainder of Monday to allow security inspections.
The Provincial Bomb Squad, in coordination with BISU security personnel, was set to conduct a thorough inspection of university buildings and facilities. Personnel were instructed to leave after students had safely exited the campuses and to deposit office keys with the University Security Office to facilitate the inspection.
Meanwhile, HNU said it had implemented appropriate security measures following the reported security concern.
‘The Administration has already issued an all-clear following the initial security assessment and has proceeded with all necessary safety and security checks throughout the campus,’ HNU said in a statement.
It said relevant personnel and security teams continued to closely monitor the situation and ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
HNU urged students, faculty, and personnel to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative and to follow safety protocols and instructions issued by the administration and authorized personnel.
‘The Administration remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment. Further updates will be provided as necessary,’ it said.