Silliman University Campus Evacuated After Bomb Threat

BACOLOD CITY — Silliman University in Dumaguete City has received a bomb threat involving its campus, the school announced this evening, July 6. In coordination with campus security and the Philippine National Police, appropriate safety and security protocols have been activated, its advisory on social media said. “Members of the University community are requested to remain calm and strictly follow the instructions of security personnel and University officials. Please avoid spreading unverified information and rely only on official University communication channels for updates,” it said. Students evacuated campus buildings and dormitories for security and safety reasons, The Weekly Sillimanian said. All gates were barred from entry and local police entered SU to secure the area, it added. There is no confirmation regarding the security threats, it said. An email sent from [email protected] at 10:06 a.m to the SU Information and Communications Technology Division said: “I have planted 6 bombs around Silliman University, please be alert as they may explode anytime now.” The bombs were allegedly planted at the Luce Auditorium, the Senior Highschool Buildings, Oriental Hall 3rd Floor, Junior High-school and Chanon Hall. “Please be aware that this is not a joke to be taken lightly, so please evacuate your students immediately,” it said. The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) said it is closely monitoring the reported bomb threat at Silliman University. It has directed the immediate mobilization of all available security and public safety assets to ensure the protection of students, faculty members, personnel, and the surrounding community, the PRO NIR said. Upon receipt of the report, Dumaguete City Police Station, under the supervision of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, promptly deployed responding units to secure the area and implement established bomb threat response protocols, it said. To reinforce ongoing operations, PRO NIR has mobilized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and coordinated the deployment of K9 units from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Security forces are conducting a systematic and comprehensive clearing operation of the university premises in close coordination with local government authorities, partner agencies, and university officials, the PRO NIR said. Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, PRO NIR Regional Director, assured the public that every available resource is being utilized to effectively address the situation. “The safety and security of our students, educators, and the public remain our highest priority. We have mobilized all necessary personnel and resources and are working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that all standard security protocols are thoroughly carried out,” he said. “We appeal to everyone to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and rely only on verified information from official government sources. Let us avoid spreading unverified reports that may unnecessarily create fear and confusion while security operations are ongoing”, he added. As of this time, clearing and inspection procedures remain ongoing. PRO NIR will continue to provide timely and verified updates as developments warrant, he said. PRONIR reminded the public that making false bomb threats and deliberately spreading false information are punishable under existing Philippine laws. INQ