Classes and local government operations Santa Cruz, Laguna have been suspended Wednesday, June 18 due to a reported bomb threat circulating on social media, Mayor Edgar “Kuya Egay” San Luis announced.
“Ngayong araw, kumakalat ang isang mensahe sa social media ukol sa umano’y bomb threat sa ating bayan. Bilang tugon at pag-iingat, suspendido po ang pasok sa lahat ng antas ng pampubliko at pribadong paaralan gayundin ang operasyon ng ating Lokal na Pamahalaan ay pansamantalang ihihinto habang sinisiyasat ito ng ating mga awtoridad,” said San Luis on his Facebook post.
The mayor added that authorities are still conducting investigations and appealed to the public not to believe or share unverified information to prevent panic.
“Patuloy na isinasagawang imbestigasyon ng ating kapulisan kaugnay sa kumakalat na bomb threat sa ating bayan ng Santa Cruz, Laguna. Kasama sa operasyon ang ating PNP at ang K9 EOD group upang magsagawa ng masusing pag-inspeksyon sa mga lugar na kailangang tiyakin ang seguridad,” he said.
San Luis reminded the public that there are existing laws against spreading fear and disinformation, stressing that such actions are not a joke.
“Paalala po sa mga nagpapakalat ng ganitong uri ng mensahe: may batas na umiiral laban sa pagpapalaganap ng takot at disimpormasyon. Hindi po ito biro. Sa ganitong panahon, mas kailangan ang malasakit at pag-iingat,” he emphasized the importance of compassion and caution during times like these.
In a Facebook Live broadcast, Laguna Governor-elect Sol Aragones revealed that her office had received a bomb threat from an anonymous sender.
“Kami ay isang anonymous group na nagpapasabog ng mga gusali. Kami ay may mga itinanim na mga bomba sa iba't ibang paaralan sa bayan ng Santa Cruz, kasama na rin ang munisipyo, kapitolyo, Guevara, LSHS, Santa Cruz Integrated Complex Central. Ito po ay naka-self-destruct na sasabog paglipas ng ilang oras,” the message reads.
The message, allegedly from a self-proclaimed anonymous group, claimed responsibility for planting explosives in several schools and government buildings in Santa Cruz, including the municipal hall, provincial capitol, Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School, Laguna Senior High School, and the Santa Cruz Integrated Complex Central. The threat warned that the bombs were set to self-detonate within a few hours.
Meanwhile, various schools in the province conducted an inspection to ensure the students, teachers and staff's security.
The Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School (PGMNHS), one of the schools that was mentioned, was given the all-clear following a thorough inspection by the Explosives and Ordnance Division and a K9 unit from San Pablo City.
According to a report from The Lagunian, the school’s official student publication, no explosive devices were found.
On the other hand, Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez also clarified that the provincial government only ordered a temporary suspension of operations while authorities conducted inspections.
“Naglabas ang inyong lingkod ng kautusan sa pulisya na umakto hinggil dito base sa safety and standard procedure,” Hernandez said his Facebook post.
“Tungkol sa operation ng provincial government ay wala akong pag-uutos na ito ay ikansela. Temporary suspension of work lamang, inspection then if clear back to work. Huwag nating pabayaan magtagumpay ang mga papansin lamang na ang intensyon ay manggulo at mang-abala ng serbisyo at trabaho,” he stressed.
Hernandez confirmed that the PNP's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit conducted inspections, including at the Laguna Capitol, and deployed ambulances and emergency teams to affected areas.
“Ayon sa paunang report ng Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit ay isang hoax o panloloko ang nasabing bomb threat. Manatili pa rin po tayong alerto at mag-ingat. Sa ngayon po ay idineklara na rin ng EOD na walang natagpuang anumang explosive o bomba sa Kapitolyo,” Hernandez in a seperate Facebook post.
Meanwhile, as the graduation ceremonies scheduled at the Cultural Center of Laguna, the governor said the decision to proceed is left to the discretion of the school administrators.
Hernandez said that they continue to monitor the situation closely, urging vigilance and calm while they work to ensure public safety.
