Classes were suspended at the Gov. Rafael L. Lazatin Integrated School (GRLLIS) in Barangay Sapalibutad on Thursday morning following a bomb threat received through a Facebook comment allegedly posted by a user identified as Simbulan John Mark.
The message, which surfaced around 8:00 a.m., warned of two bombs supposedly planted inside the school, claiming one would detonate on October 9 at 9 a.m. and another on October 10 at 7 a.m.
In immediate response, school officials, together with barangay leaders led by Punong Barangay Cristina V. Pineda and Barangay Kagawad Danilo M. Pingul, coordinated with the Philippine National Police Special Weapons and Tactics (PNP-SWAT) unit. The Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), along with the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC), assisted in securing the area.
Police teams, supported by K9 units, conducted a thorough inspection of the school grounds and nearby areas. Fortunately, no explosives were found, and the area was declared safe.
To ensure student safety, in-person classes were suspended, and the modular learning system was temporarily reinstated while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Barangay officials expressed their gratitude to the responding police and SWAT teams for their quick and coordinated action. Barangay Captain Pineda also reminded residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or threats immediately to local authorities.
She further warned that issuing false bomb threats is a serious offense punishable under Presidential Decree 1727, which imposes fines and imprisonment for those found guilty.
“Lugud, Malasakit, at Sakripisyu, Para Kareng Ka-Baryu,” Pineda emphasized, urging unity in keeping the community safe.
