Manila Police District officers coordinate with Jose Abad Santos High School staff during a security sweep following a bomb threat reported on October 20, 2025. No explosives were found. (Photo courtesy of MPD)
A bomb threat at Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS) in Binondo, Manila, was reported on Monday, Oct. 20, following a message received by a student via a Facebook group chat.
Glenmore Rodrigo, 21, a student of JASHS, noticed a message in their group chat (Rover Circle 14 Facebook group) sent at 10:55 a.m. by John Ballon, a JASHS alumnus, which read:
“May bomb threat sa Abad coordinate nyo sa principal Kong Hindi pa naiinform Ang school para makaalis lahat Ng mga Bata sa school (sic) (There is a bomb threat at Abad. Coordinate with the principal if the school has not yet been informed so that all the students can leave the school).”
This was followed by a screenshot from another alumnus, Jan Aljohn Hechanova, showing a message from Facebook user Louise Florence:
“I planted a bomb inside Jose Abad santos building. I am not joking, there are 5 bombs now, one hidden inside of five different buildings. Timer's set detonation in just few minutes”.
Upon seeing the messages, Rodrigo immediately informed Grade 7 teacher Alex Mateo, who then notified personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) San Nicolas PCP.
Cpt. Raquiño, along with San Nicolas PCP personnel led by Lt. Samuel Camalla, personnel from the Intelligence Section, and Station Commander Lt. Col. Innocencio Richard Villanueva, responded promptly and secured the area.
The District Explosives and Canine Unit (DECU-MPD), led by Cpt. Christopher R. Millan conducted a bomb sweep using K-9 units.
After a thorough search, police said no bomb was found in the school premises.
Police are currently investigating to identify and arrest the suspect.