A reported bomb threat triggered a large-scale security response at a mall in Cebu IT Park on Friday afternoon, July 3, a day after authorities responded to an alleged online shooting threat targeting a private school in Cebu City.
Police and emergency responders immediately secured the mall after a threatening message circulated on social media claimed that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been planted inside a comfort room on the second floor.
As of Friday afternoon, authorities had found no explosive device but continued search, clearing, and threat validation operations while investigating the source and credibility of the message.
According to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), the threat was received at around 3:40 p.m., prompting the immediate activation of emergency response protocols.
The Incident Management Team established a command post at Garden Bloc as personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Mabolo Police Station, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, K-9 Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), CCDRRMO, Barangay Apas emergency responders, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), Apas Fire Volunteers, and mall security conducted coordinated search and clearing operations.
By 4:49 p.m., authorities had declared the ground, second, and third floors of the mall clear after inspections by the SWAT Team. Search operations, however, remained ongoing as investigators continued validating the threat and inspecting other areas.
“The incident remains ongoing as authorities continue threat validation, inspection, and investigation to ensure the safety of everyone,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said in a statement.
Archival said the city government immediately activated its emergency response protocols upon receiving the report.
“The Philippine National Police, SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, CCDRRMO, Barangay Apas responders, and mall security promptly conducted coordinated search and clearing operations,” he said.
The mayor also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities continue their investigation.
“Atong gihangyo ang publiko nga magpabiling kalmado, likayan ang pagpakaylap og dili beripikadong impormasyon, ug sundon ang mga advisories gikan sa atong mga otoridad. Ang kaluwasan sa matag Sugboanon mao ang atong labing unang prayoridad,” Archival said.
Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Dave Tumulak likewise confirmed that authorities were responding to the reported bomb threat.
The incident came less than 24 hours after another security scare at Cebu Eastern College (CEC) in Barangay Pahina Central. Authorities initially responded to what was believed to be a bomb threat but later confirmed that the report involved an alleged school shooting threat posted on Facebook.
Following verification by police and school officials, authorities found no suspicious items or signs of an imminent attack, allowing classes to resume after the campus was declared safe. Police have since launched an investigation to identify the individual behind the online threat and warned that criminal charges will be filed against those responsible.
Authorities have not established whether Friday’s reported bomb threat is connected to Thursday’s school incident. As of this writing, police and other responding agencies remain at the scene as search operations and the investigation continue.
Photo by Christie Sato/UP Cebu, Proud Bisaya Bai Intern
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