By Helen Castaño | 04:05 PM October 05, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Authorities have identified a person being linked to an anonymous bomb-threat post that named three universities in Bohol, even as police continued verifying the identity and gathering evidence Monday, Oct. 5.
The threat, which circulated online as the world observed World Teachers’ Day, prompted security checks at Holy Name University (HNU), University of Bohol (UB) and Bohol Island State University (BISU).
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and investigating the reported threat.
Tagbilaran Mayor Jane said she was coordinating with top police and National Bureau of Investigation officials to speed up the identification of the person responsible for the post.
“I am seeking assistance to identify the person responsible for this threat. We will not take this lightly,” Yap said.
“As of this writing, I am communicating with PNP Chief General Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr., PNP Regional Director Arnold Abad and the NBI to fast-track the identification of the person responsible for the post,” she added.
Tagbilaran City Police Chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy said the administrator of the page where the threat appeared had been contacted. The page reportedly has five administrators, while a name had been provided as the alleged original uploader.
Bicoy said the information was still being verified and investigated.
“This should not be taken lightly. This threat has caused concern among parents and students and disrupted school operations,” Aumentado said.
Yap also called on the person who allegedly posted the threat to voluntarily appear before the Tagbilaran City Police Station.
“I am calling on you to voluntarily present yourself at the Tagbilaran City Police Station by 6 p.m. today. Face this matter and cooperate with the investigation,” Yap said.
“We will pursue all available legal means to establish your identity and hold those responsible accountable,” she added.
Yap said authorities would not dismiss the threat as a joke.
“To those who post threats just for fun or as a joke, we will not take these threats lightly. We take every threat seriously. We will pursue appropriate legal action against those responsible. There is no ‘just a joke’ excuse for making threats,” she said.
No bomb found
Police conducted security sweeps at HNU, UB and BISU in Tagbilaran and reported no bomb or immediate security concern following the initial assessment.
Bicoy personally led the on-site security verification with school security personnel, with support from the SWAT Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit, and medical personnel.
Police visibility and coordination with the schools were also heightened.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activities through 911.
“The safety of our students, teachers and school personnel is our priority,” authorities said.
BISU suspends classes
BISU suspended classes and academic activities in all its campuses for the remainder of Monday as a precautionary security measure.
The suspension covered campuses in Tagbilaran, Candijay, Balilihan, Bilar, Calape and Clarin.
The Provincial Bomb Squad, in coordination with university security personnel, was tasked to conduct a thorough inspection of university buildings and facilities.
BISU personnel were instructed to leave campus safely after students had been secured and had departed. Office keys were also required to be deposited with the University Security Office to facilitate the inspection.
The university urged personnel to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative and to follow instructions from university officials and security personnel.
Classes and work are expected to resume Tuesday, subject to the necessary safety clearance from authorities.
HNU, UB remain operational
HNU said it had issued an all-clear following an initial security assessment and had conducted the necessary safety and security checks across its campus.
“In light of the recent security and safety concern, the Administration assures all students, faculty, staff, and personnel that appropriate security measures have been implemented,” HNU said.
“Relevant personnel and security teams continue to closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on campus,” it added.
The university urged its community to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative and to follow official safety protocols.
Meanwhile, UB said classes and office operations would continue as scheduled, but with heightened security measures.
“Following the recent security and safety concern, the University of Bohol assures the UB community that appropriate precautionary and security measures are in place,” the university said.
UB said it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with authorities and urged students, faculty and personnel to remain calm and follow safety protocols.
The bomb threat disrupted what would otherwise have been a day of celebration for teachers across Bohol, as authorities intensified efforts to establish the identity of the person behind the threatening post and determine whether any further action was warranted.
