PNP reviews bomb response capabilities amid threat hoaxes

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed specialized police units Wednesday to review existing protocols and strengthen operational responses to bomb threats following recent scares at major universities.

Nartatez said the assessment will focus on modernizing police procedures, improving threat response capabilities, and providing additional specialized training for personnel handling explosives incidents and investigations.

“We must ensure that our bomb threat protocols evolve with the threats we face,” Nartatez said.

“Our response must be swift, our personnel well-trained, and our investigative capabilities strong enough to identify those responsible and prevent similar incidents,” he added.

The police review follows recent bomb scares at two major universities in Metro Manila that forced student evacuations and class suspensions. Similar threat incidents were reported at provincial academic institutions in recent months.

Investigators are assessing whether the threat reports are isolated incidents or part of a coordinated pattern. In Batangas, law enforcement officers recently arrested two individuals linked to bomb hoaxes targeting at least two schools in the province.

Nartatez stressed that all potential threats will be handled as active emergencies while police work to identify the perpetrators.

“Every bomb threat must be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly,” Nartatez said.

“We will establish the facts, determine whether these incidents are connected, and hold those responsible accountable under the law. Our priority is to protect lives and ensure that our schools remain safe for students and personnel,” he added.