Police investigate online bomb threat targeting La Union schools
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Authorities have launched an investigation into an online bomb threat posted by a dummy Facebook account that targeted several educational institutions in La Union, prompting heightened security measures and the temporary suspension of face-to-face classes at one university campus.
In a statement, the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) said the threat originated from a Facebook account using the name “Britney Madonna Kepya,” which allegedly posted bomb threats alongside insulting and provocative remarks directed at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University–Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon Inc., and Lorma College.
Police Colonel Redentor C. Ulsano, La Union provincial director, said authorities immediately responded after learning of the post, stressing that the threat was treated with utmost seriousness.
Personnel from the City of San Fernando Police Station were deployed to secure the affected campuses, while the La Union Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit conducted security inspections and explosive detection sweeps in coordination with school administrators. Police said no explosives were found during the operations.
Additional police personnel were also stationed at the schools to strengthen security.
Ulsano said an investigation is ongoing in coordination with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit 1 to identify the individual behind the dummy Facebook account and determine possible criminal liability.
He emphasized that the police would continue to treat all bomb threats as legitimate until proven otherwise.
“LUPPO treats every threat with the utmost seriousness and urgency. The immediate, comprehensive deployment of personnel and specialized units reflects our firm commitment to acting decisively to protect lives, maintain order, and preserve peace of mind in our community,” he said.
The provincial police also warned that making bomb threats or using dummy social media accounts to spread fear and malicious information may constitute violations of Presidential Decree No. 1727, which penalizes false bomb threats, and Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Meanwhile, DMMMSU announced that classes at its Mid La Union Campus will be conducted online or asynchronously on Monday, 27 July, while employees will observe a work-from-home arrangement as a precautionary measure.
The university said it had coordinated with the Philippine National Police, the La Union Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit, and other concerned authorities to assess the reported threat and ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
“DMMMSU fosters a safe environment for all and condemns malefactors that pose threats or expose students and personnel to danger. Appropriate legal action will be pursued against those responsible,” the university said in an advisory.
The university also urged the public to remain calm, rely only on official announcements, and refrain from sharing unverified information as authorities continue their investigation.
