La Union Police on Alert Amid Online Bomb Threats

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The La Union police are on alert following a bomb threat that circulated online yesterday, with security forces assuring the public of the province's safety. Col. Redentor Ulsano, La Union police director, stated that a dummy Facebook account under the name Britney Madonna Kepya posted threats to bomb schools and the city hall today until Wednesday. Targeted educational institutions include Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union campus, Saint John Bosco College of Northern Luzon, Lorma Colleges, and several public elementary and high schools. Ulsano has ordered police and other law enforcement units to conduct security inspections of campuses and offices. "La Union police treats every threat with the utmost seriousness and urgency. The immediate, comprehensive deployment of personnel and specialized units reflects our firm commitment to acting decisively to protect lives, maintain order and preserve peace of mind in our community," Ulsano said. He added that the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit 1 is tracking the identity of the dummy account owner. "We urge the public to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing or reposting unverified social media content that incites unnecessary panic. Anyone with information about the individual operating the (dummy) account is encouraged to report to the nearest police station," Ulsano urged. This incident highlights the potential for misinformation spread via social media to cause security concerns in the Philippines. Threats targeting public facilities like schools can create anxiety within communities. The rapid dissemination of information, especially through social media, has a significant impact on public sentiment, affecting families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the general populace.