Iloilo Police File Case Against Suspect in Ramon Avanceña National High School Bomb Threat

Authorities in Western Visayas have formally filed a criminal complaint against an individual suspected of issuing a bomb threat that caused panic and disruption at Ramon Avanceña National High School in Iloilo City.

Police Action Following Investigation

The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) filed the complaint on Thursday, November 27, 2025 before the Iloilo City Prosecutor's Office against a suspect identified only as alias Cate, who is of legal age and resides in Iloilo City.

The case stems from a bomb threat incident that occurred on November 18, 2025 at Ramon Avanceña National High School. Police have charged the suspect with violations of Presidential Decree 1727, commonly known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Digital Evidence and Collaborative Investigation

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Richard Habawel, chief of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, the successful filing of the case was made possible through recovered digital evidence gathered from extensive cyber investigations.

"The filing became possible following the recovery of crucial digital evidence gathered through extensive social media and cyber investigations supported by the issuance of a cyber warrant and a tip from a concerned citizen," Habawel stated.

He emphasized that technical support from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Western Visayas and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Western Visayas proved instrumental in tracing the online activity linked to the threatening message.

School Disruption and Public Warning

The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas confirmed that the bomb threat caused unnecessary fear and significant disruption to academic activities. The incident prompted the immediate evacuation of students and personnel and required a thorough security sweep of the school premises.

Fortunately, no explosive device was found during the security operation.

Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of PRO 6, issued a strong reminder to the public that issuing bomb threats, whether intended as a prank or with malicious intent, constitutes a serious offense that endangers communities and diverts vital government resources.

"We want to send a strong message: bomb threats made online or offline will never be treated lightly. Our cyber capabilities are continuously improving, and anyone who attempts to sow fear through false threats will be held accountable," Ligan warned.

The police official urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online behavior to authorities through the following channels: