THE high school and elementary department of The University of the Cordilleras is set to intensify security measures following two bomb threats in two days.
Science teacher Philip Julius Florendo received the first bomb threat October 6 through a text message 6 a.m.
"Haha. may bomba jan sa skul nyo sasabog mamaya at sa hapon kung di nyu isuspend ang klase nyu patay lahat ah mag aaral nyu jan. haha," as quoted from the text message of (0921)528-6537.
Florendo immediately informed the school and authorities to respond to the incident.
Personnel of the City Public Safety Company led by Senior Inspector Arnold Caguioa immediately advised all students, personnel, and staff to evacuate to the basketball court.
Authorities conducted paneling and search operations in buildings and surrounding but no explosives or any threatening device was found.
The school was declared clear and safe at 7:30 a.m. by SPO4 Willie Respecio and SPO4 Jessie Bay-an from the Explosive Ordnance Division.
The following day, around 7 a.m., Principal Gladys Sibayan Santos also received a bomb threat through text a messages from another unidentified number.
"Tamang tama ung drill niyo kahpn...at sakto rin yong pagplanta namin ng bomva dyan...gusto ko makita yong pagsabog at mmatay yong mga mahal mong studyante gawin niyu na ung drill kundi BOOM!" the text message read sent by (0916)600-9414.
Authorities once again conducted another house paneling and search operation but no bomb was found.
Baguio City Police Office station 1 head Chief Inspector Gil Imado called on the public to remain vigilant, report bomb pranksters, and to remain calm and refrain from spreading speculations and wrong information, which only bring confusion and fear.
Imado said if caught and proven pranksters will be charged in violation of Presidential Decree 1727 or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law declares as unlawful the “malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.”
The offense is punishable by up to five years in jail or a penalty of not more than P40,000 in fines or both, at the discretion of the court.
PD 1727 is not only limited to bomb jokes made in airplanes or airports.
It also covers terminals, populated areas, buildings, tenements and other places.