‘No clear and present danger:’ Bomb scare in Laguna ruled a hoax

The bomb threat reported on Wednesday, June 18, that targeted government offices and schools in Santa Cruz, Laguna, was found to be just a made-up story.

“According to the initial report from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Unit, the bomb threat was determined to be a hoax,” Governor Ramil Hernandez said in his social media post.

“Nevertheless, we urge everyone to remain alert and cautious. As of now, the EOD has officially declared that no explosives or bombs were found at the capitol (building),” he added.

A circulating message on social media claimed that bombs had been planted in several capitol facilities and schools by an unidentified group.

The explosives were reportedly placed in trash bins in offices and facilities, and are set to explode within a few hours.

In a phone call with the Manila Standard, the Santa Cruz Municipal Police Station (MPS) said that upon their inspection of the alleged areas under threat, authorities determined that there were no bombs. The situation was declared “all clear and no imminent danger present.”

“The PNP-EOD conducted inspections in the areas and found out that there were no bombs in the locations, there is no clear and present danger,” the Santa Cruz Laguna MPS said in a phone call.

Mayor Edgar San Luis announced that classes at all levels in public and private schools in the town are suspended due to the alleged bomb threat.

“To ensure the safety of our municipal capitol personnel, we ordered a temporary suspension of work,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the scheduled graduation ceremony on Wednesday at the Cultural Center of Laguna was left to the discretion of the school administration, he said.

“We appeal to everyone to refrain from spreading false information that could cause unnecessary panic among our citizens,” Hernandez said.