Student nabbed over CTU bomb threat

Local

A 19-YEAR-OLD female student from the Cebu Technological University (CTU) main campus was arrested after she was identified as the one who was allegedly the hoax bomb threat that rocked the school campus on Monday, October 21.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division, supported by NBI Central Visayas (NBI 7) and Cebu District, arrested the student, known by the alias "Thea," on Friday, October 25, at her residence in Mandaue City.

Thea, a first-year Early Childhood Education major, allegedly posted the threat under the Facebook alias “John Steve.”

NBI agents traced the social media account to her personal mobile number, and when operatives called this number during the arrest, the phone in her possession rang, linking her directly to the bomb threat. Bodycam footage from the apprehension shows agents confirming the connection.

Following her inquest, the student posted bail of P30,000, as recommended by the court. She now faces charges under the Anti-Bomb Joke Law (Presidential Decree 1727) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175). These carry the penalty of a maximum prison sentence of over six years if convicted.

The student claimed coercion in making the post but could not identify anyone involved.

CTU’s Dean of Students' Affairs, Atty. Marvey

Arnoco-Ocampo, confirmed the student’s enrollment and denied any connection between the threat and her exams, adding the student expressed that she had been coerced but had no intention of causing the disruption.

The state university has launched its own investigation, with possible disciplinary actions including suspension or expulsion, while ensuring due process.

"She has denied that it was her intention to cause this major disruption of classes and work in our campus… she wanted to take the exams man gani gyod,” Ocampo said.

NBI 7 Regional Director Atty. Rennan Augustus Oliva emphasized the agency's commitment to combating cybercrime, stating that the arrest should serve as a warning against making bomb threats, which pose serious risks to public safety.

It can be remembered that on the same day, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University was also rocked by another bomb threat, which also resulted in class suspension at the campus.

These incidents are part of a troubling trend. On September 21, the University of Cebu (UC) Lapu-Lapu Mandaue campus experienced a bomb scare following a similar online post.

In August, a threat targeted UC Banilad, causing disruptions despite no explosives being found.

Although no actual bombs have been discovered, the recent threats have heightened concerns about campus safety in Cebu. The psychological toll on students, faculty, and parents has been significant, prompting calls for stronger security measures.

Earlier, authorities have urged the public to stay calm but vigilant, emphasizing the importance of not spreading unverified information that could worsen the situation.(MyTVCebu)