Police have traced an online bomb threat targeting three universities in Tagbilaran City to an 18-year-old female student of Bohol Island State University (BISU), City Mayor Jane Cajes-Yap said, citing a police report.
The suspect is a first-year student at BISU.
The Tagbilaran City Police Station identified her in less than 24 hours, according to the mayor.
It was not immediately clear whether she is enrolled at the BISU-Tagbilaran Main Campus.
Authorities did not specify the campus, apparently to avoid casting suspicion on other BISU campuses.
The threat, posted on social media, named BISU, Holy Name University and the University of Bohol.
Authorities later determined it was a hoax.
City police chief Joey Bicoy and his officers moved quickly to trace the post to the student and said legal proceedings are underway based on the evidence gathered. Police said the next steps against the suspect will follow the evidence and due process.
Yap warned that the city will not hesitate to impose the full penalty of the law on anyone who threatens public safety.
“Every threat will be taken seriously,” police said in a statement. Those responsible will be held accountable under the law, it added.
Philippine National Police Chief Nartatez and Regional Director Abad were credited for the swift action in a post praising the police response.
Bicoy is set to hold a press conference to give further details, including the specific charges the suspect may face.
Bomb threats, including hoaxes, are punishable under Philippine law.
Presidential Decree 1727, known as the Bomb Joke Law, penalizes false bomb threats, and online threats can also fall under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.