ILOILO City – The extension campus of the University of San Agustin in Barangay Sambag, Jaro district was forced to cancel classes and examinations on Thursday due to a bomb threat.
It turned out to be a hoax, responding policemen concluded after an hour of combing the campus for explosive devices.
At around 9:05 a.m. a male phone caller claimed a bomb was planted in the campus, according to Senior Inspector Shella Mae Sangurines, Iloilo City Police Office spokesperson.
The 41-year-old school inventory clerk Erwin Benadali-an who answered the phone quoted the anonymous caller as saying, “Mag-ingat po kayo, Sir. May tinanim kami na bomba, maraming mamatay.”
Benadali-an alerted school authorities. The police’s help was sought.
Classes and the periodic examination were cancelled and elementary and high school students were told to get out of the campus.
The ICPO bomb squad looked for bombs but found none. It declared the school safe.
“The likely motive of the caller was to stop the examination,” said Sangrines.
In deciding to suspend classes, the school management said the safety of the students and its employees was a priority.
“In situations like this, we advise students and school employees not to panic. Quickly alert the police then leave the area to ensure safety,” said Sangines./PN
