UP Diliman on alert after bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City is on full alert after it received a bomb threat yesterday from someone who claimed to be a member of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

UP Diliman chancellor Michael Tan said the threat, which appeared to be a hoax, was received by the campus maintenance office text hotline yesterday afternoon.

The text supposedly claimed that bombs will explode in the campus after 3:30 p.m. prayers as revenge for the ongoing military operation against the terrorist group in Sulu.

“Our chief security officer (John Baroña) and disaster response team looks at this as a hoax,” said Tan in a statement. “Contrary to rumors, the administration has not cancelled classes or ordered evacuations because this would only encourage more pranksters.”

Baroña said they immediately conducted security sweeps after receiving the threat.

“We are still continuing individual building inspection. So far we hope the threat is merely a hoax,” he told The STAR shortly before 7 p.m.

Tan said they are not taking chances and have ordered its security forces to be on full alert for the next few days.

“Staff have been instructed to be on the lookout for suspicious looking bags or packages, which will be turned over to bomb disposal squads if needed,” he added.

The chancellor said the university will be on alert whether or not there is a threat, considering the tense situation involving the terrorist group.

UP officials notified police officers of the bomb threat but did not ask them to assist so as to prevent students from panicking, said Superintendent Wilson delos Santos, Anonas police station commander.

UP Diliman has a standing agreement with the police and the military that prohibits uniformed personnel from patrolling the campus without coordination. – With Romina Cabrera