LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Bicol University (BU) announced the suspension of work and the shift to asynchronous classes effective 12 noon Wednesday, Oct. 8, in its East, West, and Daraga campuses following bomb threats received by the institution.
In a memorandum signed by BU President Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, the university ordered the immediate implementation of the measure after an alarming message containing explicit bomb threats was sent to BU’s official social media page, specifically targeting the BU West and BU Daraga campuses.
“In view of the message received through the official social media page of Bicol University, which contained explicit bomb threats directed at the BU West and Daraga campuses, this Office hereby orders the shifting of classes to asynchronous mode and the suspension of work, effective at 12:00 noon today, in all offices and colleges in BU East, West and Daraga, until further notice,” the memorandum stated.
Nebres emphasized that the directive aims to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and personnel while authorities conduct a thorough safety assessment of the affected campuses.
“This measure is being implemented to allow for a thorough safety assessment of the concerned areas and to ensure the security and well-being of all university personnel and students. BU does not take this matter lightly,” he added.
Classes and work at BU East, West, and Daraga campuses will remain suspended until further notice as security forces and university officials continue to investigate and monitor the situation.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the origin of the threats, but security in and around the campuses has been heightened as a precautionary measure.