THE University of Cebu (UC) Banilad campus suspended classes on Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, 2024, after receiving a bomb threat via social media.
A Facebook user claiming to be Shaleej Alejandra posted a threat to detonate a bomb and shoot students, leading the UC management to evacuate the campus for inspection.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Chief Col. Antonietto Cañete and his team, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, swiftly responded to the situation.
Maj. Romeo Caacoy Jr., chief of Mabolo Police Station, later declared the university bomb-free after a thorough inspection.
“Currently, an investigation is ongoing to identify the origin of the Facebook post. We’ve coordinated with the Anti-Cybercrime Unit to determine who was behind it,” Caacoy said in Cebuano.
The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7 have started an investigation into the incident.
In response to the threat, UC has strengthened security protocols across all its campuses. The university’s management is working closely with the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Office to locate the person responsible for the threat.
Alejandra said in her post that her message was meant to garner attention because nobody cared about her as a child. She claimed she was bullied by those around her and ignored by her family.
University’s action
UC president Candice Gotianuy revealed that while this was not the first threat they have received, they are taking it seriously this time due to the individual’s apparent issues.
“This is different because I have seen it as a cry for help. Whoever you are, please come to us if you need help. We sympathize with you and wish that your family and friends could have listened to you, could have made you special, but not in this way,” Gotianuy said.
Gotianuy also posted on her Facebook account, reminding everyone that “posting threats such as this incident to air out any grievances or problems does not help anyone.”
She encouraged individuals with concerns to contact the school’s guidance office or Students’ Affairs Office.
The university has provided a list of 24/7 support hotlines for those needing assistance: Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya (09664679626); In Touch (0928893603) or in-touch.org; Hopeline: (02) 8804-4673; National Center for Mental Health’s crisis hotline (1553) or ncmh.gov.ph. / AYB, TPT, DPC