Employees of a major hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, were evacuated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after a suitcase was left unattended in front of the Consular Agency of the United States of America at around 8:00 a.m.
Security Alert and Response
Police Major Eric Gingoyon, chief of the Mabolo Police Station, stated that they received a call from the hotel's security guard reporting a suspicious suitcase left in front of the U.S. Consular Office. The suitcase was first noticed at 6:27 a.m. Hotel staff initially thought the owner would return, but after more than an hour, they contacted the police.
The Mabolo Police Station quickly responded and coordinated with the Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (RECU) 7 to inspect the luggage. Members of RECU 7 arrived with sniffing dogs and examined the contents of the suitcase. It was found to contain only clothes and no dangerous items.
Owner Identified
It was later determined that the owner of the suitcase is an American national who had previously visited the consular office. According to Gingoyon, by the time the EOD team arrived, the owner, a foreign national, was already present. Inspection revealed no IED or any dangerous items. He emphasized that this is standard security procedure for unattended baggage and that complacency must be avoided.
Gingoyon added that the foreigner has been living in Cebu City for a long time and frequently visits the U.S. Consular Office to seek assistance. The individual reportedly also panhandles in the IT Park area and asks for help from anyone, as he has no place to stay.
Commendation and Advisory
The Mabolo Police Station thanked the hotel management for their prompt reporting of the incident, which helped in the swift investigation. They also urged the public not to leave their personal belongings unattended in public places to avoid causing fear and confusion in the community.
