Davao City police clear two schools after bomb threats, probe senders

Two schools in Davao City have been declared safe after bomb threats sent over the weekend turned out to be false, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said on Monday, Oct. 26, according to Mindanao Times.

The threats were sent to the two campuses on Oct. 25 and 26. In an official statement, DCPO director PCOL Peter B. Madria said police teams responded as soon as the reports came in. The source did not name the schools involved.

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 units swept and inspected both school premises. No explosives were found, and police cleared the campuses to resume normal operations.

The Davao City Police Cybercrime Response Team (DCPCRT) has opened an investigation to trace the digital footprint of the messages and identify those responsible.

Madria said those behind the threats will face criminal charges, and that the police have zero tolerance for bomb threats even if they are meant as pranks. "Such acts endanger public safety, cause unnecessary alarm, disrupt school operations, and divert critical police resources," he said.

He noted that bomb threats are punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalises the malicious spreading of false information about bombs or explosives.

Police urged Davaoeños to stay calm, avoid sharing unverified posts on social media, and rely only on announcements from legitimate authorities.