DAVAO CITY — Two tertiary schools in Davao City were declared clear and safe after security inspections found no explosives following separate bomb threats reported on October 25 and 26, 2026, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed.
The incidents involved St. John Paul II College of Davao on October 25 and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Obrero Campus on October 26, prompting immediate police responses and security checks to ensure the safety of students, faculty members, and other school personnel.
According to the DCPO, police coordinated with the administrations of both institutions to implement the necessary safety and security measures following reports of threatening messages.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and K9 teams participated in the inspections of the two campuses. Authorities subsequently declared both schools clear and safe after no explosives were detected.
Although the inspections yielded negative results, the police have continued investigating the threats to determine who sent the messages and establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The DCPO, through its Davao City Police Cybercrime Response Team (DCPCRT), is conducting an intensive investigation to identify the individuals responsible. The suspects may face appropriate criminal charges under applicable laws once identified and the evidence establishes their liability.
Police warn against bomb threat pranks
The DCPO stressed that it would not tolerate bomb threats, including those intended as jokes or pranks, warning that such acts can endanger public safety, trigger unnecessary panic, disrupt school operations, and divert police personnel and other emergency resources from legitimate security concerns.
The police cited Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalizes the malicious dissemination of false information concerning bombs, explosives, or other similar devices. Authorities warned that individuals found responsible could be held accountable under the law.
Even when no explosives are ultimately found, bomb threats can require security inspections, the deployment of specialized personnel, and precautionary measures to protect students, teachers, and other members of the school community.
The DCPO urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely on official announcements from authorities as the investigation continues.
Investigation continues despite negative findings
The declaration that both campuses were clear and safe means that the inspections conducted by authorities did not detect explosives. However, the investigation into the threatening messages remains ongoing.
The police have yet to publicly identify any suspects or disclose further details about the origin of the threats.
Authorities are pursuing the investigation to establish responsibility and determine the appropriate legal action against those behind the messages.
The incidents underscore the importance of taking all bomb threats seriously while avoiding the spread of rumors that could heighten public alarm. The DCPO has reiterated that the absence of explosives does not remove the potential legal consequences of making or transmitting a bomb threat.