Ayala Malls Central Bloc in IT Park, Barangay Apas, Cebu City, was disrupted by a bomb threat on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, 2026. The establishment immediately issued an advisory closing the mall to the public and employees as inspection of various areas commenced.
Evacuation and Response
Emergency responders from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Barangay Apas Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), Mabolo Police Station, PNP's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, K-9 units, and mall security personnel participated in sweeping the entire area to ensure no bomb was planted. Evacuation of people inside the mall was carried out simultaneously.
The alarm was received by police at 3:40 PM after a message was sent via a social media messaging app claiming an improvised explosive device was placed inside a restroom on the second floor of the establishment.
Mayor's Response and Warning
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival immediately inspected the situation, prioritizing the evacuation of tenants, shoppers, and the public. He warned the perpetrator of the bomb threat that once identified and caught, appropriate punishment would be imposed.
"I see someone just looking for excitement. We are looking into who this is. My warning: make sure you don't play around because if you are caught, we will definitely impose punishment," Archival said in an interview with reporters.
This is another bomb threat incident after a private school in Cebu City was also targeted by such intimidation.
Reopening and Complaints
At 7:50 PM on July 3, another advisory was released stating that the mall had resumed normal operations. During the evacuation, various complaints from shoppers and mall goers were posted on social media, especially from those whose vehicles were stuck in the basement parking and were not immediately released because motorists were reportedly being charged parking fees one by one.
There were also inquiries on the mall's official social media page about whether moviegoers could get refunds.
