CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 has ramped up security across Central Luzon schools following a series of bomb threats confirmed as hoaxes, authorities announced Friday.

At least five schools in the region received anonymous messages via email and social media this week, claiming explosives were planted on campuses.

While evacuations and sweeps by Explosives and Ordnance Disposalteams and K9 units found no credible threats, PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. warned that spreading false alarms carries severe penalties.

“These threats disrupt education and drain critical resources. Let this be a reminder: Fabricating bomb scares is not a prank, it’s a crime,” Peñones stated. He cited Presidential Decree 1727, which imposes up to five years imprisonment or a P200,000 fine on individuals convicted of inciting public panic through hoaxes.

PRO3 has deployed additional patrols near schools and intensified coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and school administrators to tighten campus security. Random bag inspections and awareness seminars for students and faculty are also underway.

The regional director urged the public to avoid amplifying fear by sharing unverified threats online.

“Think before you click. False information only diverts police resources from real emergencies,” he added, encouraging reports of suspicious activities through PRO3’s 24/7 hotline (0919-077-1125) or social media pages.

He further emphasized that schools must remain sanctuaries for learning, stressing that PRO3 will relentlessly pursue individuals or groups endangering these safe spaces.

No suspects have been identified as of press time.