ILOILO CITY — A series of bomb threats has disrupted classes and office operations at nine major universities and high schools across Iloilo province this month, prompting heightened security measures and launching a cybercrime investigation.

Police have recorded nine threats so far, eight of which occurred within a five-day period, all routed through Facebook Messenger and directed at schools across the city and province.

The first incident was reported 12 November at the University of San Agustin-Basic Education Department. Threats followed a day later, reaching the West Visayas State University-Janiuay Campus and the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).

The scare escalated by 17 November when six schools — Iloilo National High School, WVSU-Main, WVSU-Calinog, ISAT-U, Hua Siong College of Iloilo and Guimbal National High School — received nearly identical warnings.

All campuses were eventually cleared by authorities. However, the repeated threats have led to class suspensions, confusion and widespread anxiety among students, teachers and parents.

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU)-Western Visayas is actively tracing the sender or group responsible for the digital messages.

Iloilo City Police Office chief Col. Kim Legada warned that issuing a bomb threat, whether real or a hoax, carries serious criminal liability.

“We are preparing the evidence,” Legada said. “Those responsible will face charges.” He advised students to go directly home following any class suspensions and to avoid gathering in crowded areas.”

Mayor Raisa Treñas, on the other hand, ordered tighter security for key government offices, including City Hall and the Legislative Building. Her spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, said the mayor is treating the threats with “full seriousness.”

Meantime, Iloilo Third District Representative Lorenz Defensor suggested the string of threats appears to be a “destabilization plan” intended to disrupt peace and order in the province.