By Nimfa L. Estrellado Authorities conduct a security inspection at Quezon National High School in Lucena City following a bomb threat repo...
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| Authorities conduct a security inspection at Quezon National High School in Lucena City following a bomb threat reported early March 5 that prompted the precautionary evacuation of students and school personnel. (The Coconut / Ang Niyog) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — A bomb threat sent to the official Facebook page of Quezon National High School (QNHS) disrupted final examinations on March 5, prompting the evacuation of students and teachers as authorities responded to the report. The Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 Unit later inspected the campus and confirmed that no explosive device existed inside the school premises.
Initial investigation points to a student who allegedly failed to review for the scheduled examination as a possible suspect behind the threatening message sent to the school’s Facebook page. A fake account bearing the name “Kim Tan” sent the message, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun tracing the account used in sending the threat.
The school’s official Facebook page received the threatening message through Messenger at around 6:11 a.m. from a dummy account using the name “Kim Tan.” The message claimed that bombs had allegedly been planted in several buildings inside the campus and warned that the explosives could detonate at any time.
Anabel S. Sollano, a teacher of the said school and a member of the page management team, received the message as one of the administrators managing the page. She said school officials immediately reported the threat to Joseph C. Hinanay, principal of the school, and to the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) team for prompt action.
School officials began coordination with emergency response agencies shortly after the message reached them early that morning. Sollano said that around 7:00 a.m., the SDRRM coordinator coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRM) and the Philippine National Police for immediate response.
Police officers from the Lucena Component City Police Station, under the supervision of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, moved to secure the school premises and nearby areas. Authorities also ordered the evacuation of students, teachers, and school personnel as a precaution while responders assessed the reported threat.
Pltcol. Ryan Hernandez, chief of police of Lucena City, said authorities secured the campus while waiting for the arrival of the bomb disposal team. He said students and faculty members went home as a precaution while inspection and clearing operations continued inside the school.
“Contained naman po yung area for the meantime. Pinauwi na muna po natin yung mga bata at saka mga faculty members. We are waiting for the arrival of our EOD and K9 unit para ma-clear po natin yung area,” Hernandez said.
The police chief also reminded the public to report suspicious messages or threats to authorities so they can respond quickly and take the necessary action. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading panic while police continue their investigation into the incident.
“Ipagbigay alam po agad po sa ating kapulisan para mabigyan po natin ng kaagadang aksyon. Huwag pong matakot at huwag pong magpanik para po ito ay ma-handle natin ng mabuti,” Hernandez added.
Bomb disposal specialists later conducted a thorough inspection of several buildings and open areas inside the campus. Members of the Philippine National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Specialized K9 Unit inspected areas including the sports complex where the alleged bombs were reportedly placed.
Authorities later confirmed that QNHS registered negative results for any explosive device and that the entire campus remained safe. The inspection also confirmed that no bomb or suspicious explosive material existed anywhere within the school grounds.
The Philippine Coast Guard – Cotta Sub-Station later conducted a second security sweep around the campus following the reported threat earlier that morning. The operation aimed to further ensure the safety of students, teachers, and members of the school community.
Authorities continue the investigation into the Facebook account used in sending the threat while working to identify the person responsible. Police are also coordinating with the Quezon Cyber Response Team to trace and validate the account involved.
Joseph C. Hinanay, principal of the school also assured the public that all students and personnel who reported to school that morning remained safe and accounted for. He said the school activated safety protocols and coordinated closely with authorities during the incident.
“Earlier today our school received a security threat. Please be assured that all students and employees who reported to school today are safe and accounted for. The safety of everyone is our absolute priority,” Hinanay said.
The school principal also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information while authorities continue their investigation. He emphasized that responsible sharing of information remains important during incidents that may cause concern among the public.
“Hinihiling din po namin sa publiko na huwag magbahagi ng mga hindi beripikadong impormasyon. Mas makabubuti po na hintayin ang opisyal na pahayag mula sa mga awtoridad upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng maling balita,” Hinanay added.
Keith Mikhal "Kim" D. L. Tan, 2nd District board member of Quezon Province, also issued a statement after a fake account used his name in the threatening message. He clarified that the account involved does not belong to him and warned the public about the misuse of his identity.
“Nais kong linawin na may isang pekeng account na gumagamit ng aking pangalan (Kim Tan) ang nagpadala ng mensahe sa page ng Quezon National High School hinggil sa isang bomb threat. PAGLILINAW: Hindi ito ang aking official social media account,” Tan said.
The board member also warned that those responsible for the fake account will face investigation and possible legal action once authorities identify them. He said authorities will continue efforts to identify and hold accountable those behind the threatening message.
“Hindi natin ito palalampasin. Papalalimin ang imbestigasyon upang matukoy at mapanagot ang mga taong nasa likod ng pekeng account na ito. Mag-ingat tayong lahat.”
Authorities are also examining possible violations of laws related to false threats and public safety in connection with the reported bomb threat at the school. Investigators continue gathering additional information and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the ongoing case assessment.
Classes at Quezon National High School will resume on March 6 after police authorities completed two security sweeps around the campus and cleared the reported bomb threat. School officials announced the resumption of classes after authorities confirmed that the campus was safe for students, teachers, and school personnel.
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