Authorities launched an operation on Friday afternoon, July 3, 2026, after a mall in Cebu IT Park received a bomb threat through social media. The incident occurred just one day after a private school in the city was also threatened with an online shooting hoax.
Initial Report and Threat Details
According to initial reports, at approximately 3:40 PM, a mall employee received a bomb threat via text message. The threat was also reportedly sent to the mall's official Facebook page. The message claimed that an improvised explosive device (IED), described as a timer bomb, had been placed inside a comfort room on the second floor of the mall.
Immediate Activation of Emergency Protocols
Upon receiving the report, the mall quickly activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) and established a command post at the Garden Bloc to coordinate the emergency response. Within minutes, personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and emergency responders from Barangay Apas arrived to conduct search and clearing operations alongside mall security.
Search and Clearing Operations
The SWAT Team began inspecting the mall at around 4:30 PM, assisted by mall security, while police secured the perimeter. By 4:49 PM, authorities declared the ground floor, second floor, and third floor safe after a thorough inspection. Despite this, validation of the threat, search operations, and investigation continued.
Official Statement from Mayor Archival
In a statement released at 5:15 PM, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the city government was closely monitoring the incident and assured the public that all agencies were cooperating to ensure everyone's safety. “Upon receiving the report, our emergency response protocols were immediately activated. The Philippine National Police, SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, CCDRRMO, Barangay Apas responders, and mall security promptly conducted coordinated search and clearing operations,” Archival said.
He added that although the SWAT had declared the floors clear, authorities continued to validate the threat and conduct further inspections to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees. After confirming that the entire building was safe, the clearing operation was halted at 7:51 PM. The mayor called on the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official announcements as operations continued.
