CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – An 18-year-old suspect allegedly behind a series of online bomb threats targeting several public and private schools in San Ildefonso, Bulacan was arrested hours after police launched a manhunt, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said Wednesday.

The suspect was apprehended at about 6:29 p.m. on July 21 in Barangay Hilera, Jaen, Nueva Ecija through a joint operation by the San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station (MPS) of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO), in coordination with the Talavera MPS and Jaen MPS under the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office.

Police said the operation stemmed from bomb threats posted online on July 20 and 21, which alarmed students, parents, school officials, and residents in San Ildefonso.

Following reports of the online threats, investigators immediately conducted follow-up operations, validated the suspect’s identity, and carried out intelligence-driven tracking that led to the suspect’s arrest within hours.

The suspect now faces charges for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Authorities recovered a cellular phone believed to have been used in posting the bomb threats. The suspect and the seized evidence were taken to the San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station for documentation and further investigation.

PRO3 said the mobile phone will undergo technical and forensic examination by the Provincial Anti-Cybercrime Unit as part of the continuing case build-up.

PRO3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez commended the operating units for their swift response, stressing that bomb threats, whether made online or otherwise, are treated as serious criminal offenses.

“Hindi biro ang bomb threat. Isang post lang online puwedeng magdulot ng takot, pagkaantala ng klase, at malaking deployment ng police at emergency responders. Kaya sa PRO3, we treat every bomb threat as real hanggang mapatunayan na hindi ito totoo,” Mendez said.

He warned that individuals who use social media to spread bomb threats, whether as a prank or to gain online attention, will face criminal liability.

Mendez added that the successful operation reflects the Philippine National Police’s commitment to strengthening police operations, enhancing investigative capabilities, and delivering responsive public service under the PNP’s Focused Agenda.

PRO3 also urged parents, schools, and the public to promote the responsible use of social media and to immediately report online threats or suspicious activities to the nearest police station as part of efforts to keep schools and communities safe. (Jason de Asis)

 Photos courtesy of PRO3 via Jason De Asis