Police authorities in Iloilo Province have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation of multiple bomb threats after a 19-year-old suspect surrendered to authorities on Monday afternoon.
Digital Investigation Leads to Suspect
Alias Jojo, a resident of Oton, Iloilo, turned himself in at the Oton Municipal Police Station on November 24, 2025, around 2 p.m. after investigators successfully traced one of the threatening messages directly to his digital footprint.
The investigation revealed that on November 21, 2025, Jojo had used a Facebook Messenger account under the name "Shay Nel Dela Cruz" to send a bomb threat to Oton National High School. The message claimed that five explosive devices had been planted on the school grounds, prompting immediate security responses.
Coordinated Police Operation
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), confirmed that the surrender resulted from a joint investigation conducted with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 and other government security agencies.
"The surrender and confession of a suspect in the various bomb threats in Iloilo province is the result of the continuous and thorough investigation by your authorities," Razalan stated in both English and Hiligaynon.
Investigators were able to connect Jojo to the crime after confirming that his cellphone number was directly linked to the Facebook account used to send the threatening message. Facing mounting pressure and the likelihood of imminent arrest, Jojo decided to surrender to Police Lieutenant Colonel Ahlie V. Estember, chief of Oton MPS, accompanied by his father and sister.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
During police interrogation, the suspect admitted to sending the bomb threat. Jojo now faces multiple criminal cases, including violations of:
- Presidential Decree 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law)
- Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act)
- Possible charges under RA 7610
Police Colonel Razalan issued a stern warning to other potential offenders, emphasizing that remaining suspects will face "serious consequences, especially criminal cases, similar to those faced by Alias Jojo now." He stressed that authorities "will not tolerate acts that spread fear and destroy the peace and order of our beloved province of Iloilo."
Investigators confirmed they have obtained the cellphone numbers used to create Facebook accounts for sending bomb threats and hoaxes, indicating that more suspects may be identified soon. The Iloilo Police Provincial Office remains committed to pursuing all individuals involved in the bomb threat incidents and ensuring public safety throughout the province.
