Students and staff evacuated campus buildings and dormitories at Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, this evening, July 6, following a reported bomb threat that prompted a security lockdown and response from local authorities.
In an advisory published on its official Facebook page, the university announced that it has activated appropriate safety and security protocols in close coordination with campus security and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Members of the University community are requested to remain calm and strictly follow the instructions of security personnel and University officials. Please avoid spreading unverified information and rely only on official University communication channels for updates,” the SU advisory stated, adding that further information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
According to the campus student publication, The Weekly Sillimanian, all university gates were immediately barred from entry as local police entered the campus to secure the area.
The panic was reported to have been triggered by an alleged email sent at 10:06 a.m. to the SU Information and Communications Technology Division from the address tenna3907@gmail.com.
The email read: “I have planted 6 bombs around Silliman University, please be alert as they may explode anytime now.”
The sender claimed the explosives were planted at the Luce Auditorium, the Senior High School Buildings, the third floor of Oriental Hall, the Junior High School, and Chanon Hall.
“Please be aware that this is not a joke to be taken lightly, so please evacuate your students immediately,” the email further warned.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation.
The regional office directed the immediate mobilization of all available security and public safety assets to ensure the protection of students, faculty members, personnel, and the surrounding community.
Upon receiving the report, the Dumaguete City Police Station—under the supervision of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office—promptly deployed responding units to secure the perimeter and implement established bomb threat response protocols.
To reinforce ongoing operations, PRO NIR mobilized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and coordinated the deployment of K9 units from both the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Security forces are currently conducting a systematic and comprehensive clearing operation of the university premises in close coordination with local government authorities, partner agencies, and university officials.
PBGen. Romano V. Cardiño, PRO NIR Regional Director, assured the public that every available resource is being utilized to effectively handle the threat.
“The safety and security of our students, educators, and the public remain our highest priority. We have mobilized all necessary personnel and resources and are working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that all standard security protocols are thoroughly carried out,” Cardiño said.
“We appeal to everyone to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and rely only on verified information from official government sources. Let us avoid spreading unverified reports that may unnecessarily create fear and confusion while security operations are ongoing,” the Regional Director added.
Clearing and inspection procedures remain ongoing as of press time. PRO NIR stated it will continue to provide timely and verified updates as developments warrant.
Meanwhile, police authorities reminded the public that making false bomb threats and deliberately spreading false information are criminal acts heavily punishable under existing Philippine laws.*
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