UP-PGH rocked with bomb threat

Tensions gripped the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) last Wednesday morning after the facility received bomb threats, prompting a security response from the Manila Police District (MPD).

The MPD-District Explosive and Canine Unit (DECU) reported that the initial threat was received around 9:30 a.m. A UP-PGH programmer identified as Nico De Leon received a threatening email at 12345@gmail.com.

The email message, which was shared in an office group chat, read: “This place is an NPA nest in Manila. Action on public funds. Kids who only contribute noise to society. They are being educated now only to become traitors to the government tomorrow! It will explode today... The message of the true Filipinos. Terrorists have no place in this country!!! Terrorism must be crushed!!!”

Following the received message, the office of the Councilor for Information contacted police at the MPD Headquarters, leading to the swift response of MPD Police Station 5, SWAT, and the DECU, who immediately began inspecting the vicinity of UP-PGH.

While police were conducting their inspection, a female doctor at the hospital mentioned receiving a separate threat via Telegram that said: “EXPLOSIVES HAVE ENTERED PGH.”

Following a thorough search by the MPD bomb unit, the hospital was declared safe at 1:30 p.m., with the inspection resulting in a “negative” finding.