Authorities declared the University of the Philippines (UP) campuses in Diliman, Quezon City, and Manila, including the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) vicinity, clear of explosive devices Thursday following a series of bomb threats. Police operations were swiftly conducted across both locations, finding no hazardous materials.
The threats prompted the activation of the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (PNP EOD) and coordination with local police districts.
The UP Diliman College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) confirmed that a threat was posted on one of its online pages by a social media user identified as “Rhea May Magnanakaw” on Wednesday. CSWCD Dean Justin Francis Leon Nicolas reported that, following a search, “No explosive materials were found.”
In UP Manila, police from the Manila Police District (MPD) responded to an email received Thursday morning by a PGH programmer, which contained anti-government rhetoric and a warning that the location would “blow up today.”
A second threat, claiming an explosive had already entered PGH, was received by a doctor during the search. MPD concluded its inspection at approximately 1:30 p.m., declaring the entire area “negative from any hazardous and explosive materials.”
The UP Office of the Student Regent (OSR) released a statement questioning the timing of the threats, suggesting they were intended to discourage upcoming student protest-actions planned to condemn government corruption and observe International Students Day. The OSR asserted that the threats “won’t stifle students’ fighting spirit.”