Bomb threat disrupts classes at Jose Abad Santos High School; No explosives found
Photo courtesy of the Manila Police District
A bomb threat sent through Facebook on Thursday morning, Nov. 27, prompted a swift police response and temporary disruption at Jose Abad Santos High School in Binondo, Manila.
Authorities later declared the area safe after an extensive inspection found no explosive devices.
According to an initial report from the Meisic Police Station (PS-11) of the Manila Police District, the threat was issued at around 9:51 a.m. on Nov. 27, and was formally reported at 10:40 a.m.
Police said the threat originated from a Facebook account using the name “Kiko Lorenz.”
The message, received by a 15-year-old student identified as "AP," claimed that three bombs had been planted inside different buildings of the school. The message read:
“JUST U TO KNOW, I PLANTED 3 BOMBS TO YOUR SCHOOL JOSE ABAD SANTOS. THERE ARE 3 BOMBS IN HERE FROM DIFFERENT BUILDINGS,” and included a photo of a supposed explosive device.
The student immediately forwarded the message to a 17-year-old witness, "AMDS," who then reported the matter to her class adviser.
The school administration promptly coordinated with personnel from the San Nicolas Police Community Precinct.
Police units from San Nicolas PCP, the Intelligence Section of PS-11, and the station’s leadership responded to the scene and secured the school’s perimeter.
The MPD District Explosive and Canine Unit (DECU) also arrived and conducted a bomb sweep and K-9 paneling throughout the campus.
Following a comprehensive inspection, authorities confirmed that no bombs or hazardous materials were found anywhere in the school.
Police investigators are now working to determine the true identity of the individual behind the Facebook account that issued the threat, as well as their possible location.
The case remains under investigation by the appropriate station personnel.