The University of Santo Tomas (UST) was rattled by a bomb threat on Tuesday morning, October 27.

According to the Manila Police District (MPD), student organizations received the threat at around 6:00 AM through an online account that goes by “TIGER TTIGER,” RH Tina Nolasco reported. Information from the MPD stated that the message from the sender indicated that apart from the bomb threat, it also mentioned plans for an alleged shooting.

This was immediately sent to the university’s Central Student Council and Central Commission on Elections at 7:00 AM, before the said account was deactivated.

Meanwhile, personnel from the MPD Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (EOD/K9 Unit) responded to the scene. The MPD’s Anti-Cybercrime Team was also present at the scene to determine where the online threat originated.

In a statement, the university’s Office of the Secretary General assured that the campus remains safe. Moreover, there is no directive from the office ordering students and school personnel to evacuate.

“The University is actively coordinating with the Philippine National Police and related government agencies to investigate and address the safety threats circulating online. Upon recommendation from law enforcers, no evacuation order was issued,” the statement read.

“Our law enforcers are with our own security personnel on campus and have completed their assessment. The campus has been declared safe for occupancy,” it added.

MPD spokesperson PMaj. Philipp Ines assured the public that authorities are not disregarding incidents related to bomb threats at universities in Manila. The MPD spokesperson warned those who joke about bomb threats, stating they will be held liable.

“Paalala po natin sa mga taong gumagawa ng mga ganito. Bomb threat is not a joke,” he said, citing the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.

According to Ines, individuals who are caught making such jokes may face five years of imprisonment and a P40,000 fine.