ILOILO CITY — A surge of bomb threats forced class suspensions and office shutdowns in several major universities across Iloilo this month, triggering widespread alarm and prompting authorities to tighten campus security while launching a cybercrime investigation.

Police have confirmed nine bomb threats so far — eight of them within just five days — all sent through Facebook Messenger and all directed at schools across the city and province.

The first threat was received by the University of San Agustin–Basic Education Department on November 12. The following day, warnings reached West Visayas State University–Janiuay Campus and the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).

The situation escalated on November 17 when six more schools — Iloilo National High School, WVSU–Main, WVSU–Calinog, ISAT-U, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, and Guimbal National High School — received nearly identical messages.

All schools were eventually cleared, but repeated threats fueled confusion, panic, and disruptions affecting thousands of students, teachers, and parents.

The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU)–Western Visayas is tracking the sender or group behind the messages and tracing the digital trail of the accounts used.

Police to pranksters: It’s a crime

Iloilo City Police Office chief Col. Kim Legada reminded the public that bomb threats — hoax or not — are punishable by law.

“We are preparing the evidence. Those responsible will face charges,” Legada said, urging students to go straight home after class suspensions and avoid crowd-dense areas that could become targets.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has ordered intensified security in key government facilities, including City Hall, the Legislative Building, and satellite offices. Her spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, said the mayor is treating the threats with full seriousness.

Defensor: Possible ‘destabilization plan’

Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor described the bomb scares as a possible “destabilization plan” meant to disturb peace and order in the province.

He issued the statement after threats hit WVSU–Calinog on Monday and WVSU–Janiuay on November 12, both of which were later declared clear by Explosive Ordnance Disposal units.

“The perpetrators must be held accountable for sowing fear,” Defensor said.