AUTHORITIES are set to investigate the identity of a texter who sent a bomb threat to University of Baguio.
On February 20, a teacher at the university received a text message from 0907-1609917 saying two bombs were planted in the school.
“Allahu Akbar!!! Receiving this text message is a confirmation that I have two improvised explosive devices planted in 2 buildings of your university this is an act for our beloved Allah and to raise awareness of this city reminding you that it is not every day peaceful in this world and in this country!!!” the text message read.
A teacher, who received the message, immediately reported the threat to the UB security officer Emmanuel Fernandez who called personnel of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 7 together with Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) and K-9 Unit.
Personnel of Station 7 led by Chief Inspector Eddie Bagto provided security and assistance in the area while the EOD led by Chief Inspector Francisco Cacas conducted paneling procedures.
Luckily, no bomb was recovered.
The cellphone number used was referred to the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) for tracking.
Chief Inspector Myla Jalog, BCPO public information officer, said in the weekly radio program “Pulis Mo, Kaibigan Mo” that despite not finding any bomb, police were not taking this incident lightly and considered it as a threat.
“It is a primary action of the BCPO to consider all threats immediately and to conduct the necessary investigation which would lead to the origin and intention of the threat,” Jalog explained.
Earlier this month, members of the EOD following a simulated controlled explosion at the Baguio Night Market to determine the readiness of the BCPO in times of a bomb blast.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana, Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO – COR) regional director supervised the bomb explosion simulation exercise and reiterated the need for all police stations in the region to be ready in any and such eventualities.