The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified police visibility in schools and public areas after a series of bomb threat hoaxes disrupted communities nationwide.

“I have tasked our local police on the ground to intensify police presence in schools and other areas of convergence following the recent spike in bomb threats in the past days,” PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez told reporters on Thursday.

Nartatez instructed all police units on the ground to strengthen visibility in learning institutions and other busy areas to reassure the public and deter individuals seeking to sow fear.

Recent threats prompted forced evacuations and class suspensions, including incidents on November 17 targeting eight schools in Iloilo and one in Digos City, Davao del Sur, as well as a village in Ormoc City, Leyte, over the weekend.

The PNP has launched investigations into the series of incidents to identify the sources and hold those responsible accountable. 

Nartatez also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or messages to authorities.