BY CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched a cybercrime investigation to identify the individual behind an alleged bomb threat posted on social media after authorities found no explosives or suspicious items during security inspections in several key establishments in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
The security operation was carried out by the San Carlos Component City Police Station (CCPS) at around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, after police monitored a threatening post in the public Facebook group “6127 Marketplace San Carlos City.”
The post, allegedly made by a Facebook account identified as “Jim San,” claimed that bombs would be planted in schools and several establishments in the city, including Empire One BPO and the venue of an ongoing job fair.
In response, police, together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) San Carlos Canine Unit and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), conducted bomb detection and security inspections at the San Carlos City Auditorium in Barangay 4, VIAST Outsource Solutions along East Carmona Street in Barangay 4, and Empire One BPO along the Eco Translink Highway in Barangay 2.
A bomb detection canine from the PCG assisted in the operation.
After thorough inspections, authorities confirmed that no explosives or suspicious objects were found in any of the establishments identified in the online threat.
Police also advised the management and employees of the inspected establishments to remain vigilant and immediately report unattended packages, suspicious individuals, or unusual activities to the nearest police station or through the 911 emergency hotline.
Meanwhile, the San Carlos CCPS has coordinated with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit of PRO-NIR to identify the person behind the Facebook account that allegedly posted the bomb threat. The investigation is ongoing.
PRO-NIR reminded the public that making false bomb threats, including those posted on social media, is a serious criminal offense punishable under Philippine law.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, PRO-NIR regional director, said authorities treated the report with utmost seriousness despite the negative inspection results.
“The immediate response of our personnel and partner agencies reflects our commitment to ensuring public safety. While the inspection yielded negative results, we treat every reported threat with utmost seriousness,” Cardiño said.
He assured the public that police remain on heightened alert and are working closely with cybercrime investigators to identify the individual responsible for the alarming online post.
Cardiño also urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear or panic./CCJ, WDJ