Police in the Negros Island Region (NIR) have launched a major offensive against a wave of digital bomb threats, activating enhanced cyber-monitoring and digital forensics to trace the source of these alarming messages.
Immediate Police Response to Digital Threats
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), has issued a directive for the immediate activation of strengthened technical investigation protocols. This decisive action comes as a direct response to a series of bomb threats that have targeted the region, particularly affecting schools.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) documented a disturbing 31 bomb threats in various areas of the city between November 12 and 19, 2025. This surge in threats has prompted a regional security overhaul.
Strengthened Partnerships and Technical Capabilities
Under General Ibay's command, PRO-NIR is intensifying its collaboration with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and bringing in information and communications technology (ICT) experts. This powerful alliance is now implementing real-time digital monitoring and rapid tracing operations for any threats sent online, via mobile messaging, or through anonymous digital platforms.
"We should ensure that all bomb threats, whether sent online, via mobile messaging, or through anonymous digital platforms, are traced, validated, and acted upon swiftly," Brigadier General Ibay stated.
The technical assistance will involve a deep analysis of digital footprints, metadata, and communication patterns to identify the perpetrators. Furthermore, continuous intelligence sharing between law enforcement, local government units, and ICT stakeholders is being prioritized to ensure a unified front.
Public Safety and Community Vigilance
PRO-NIR has assured the public that all reported threats are treated with the utmost seriousness. Alongside the digital crackdown, the police are ensuring the swift deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 units to any location reporting a threat.
Community awareness efforts have also been strengthened to encourage timely reporting from the public while working to prevent unnecessary panic. "Our priority is public safety," Ibay emphasized. "We are working closely with our cybercrime investigators and ICT specialists to identify the sources of these threats and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable."
The public is called upon to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative. Authorities have reminded everyone that false bomb threats are serious crimes that disrupt peace and cause undue panic, carrying severe legal consequences. PRO-NIR remains committed to maintaining peace and order, safeguarding the region from both physical and digital threats.
