The Department of Education (DepEd) has sought the deployment of more policemen to secure schools nationwide following a rise in the number of bomb threats—mostly hoaxes at it turned out—following the bombing in Davao City that left 14 dead last week.
In a statement, the DepEd noted the increasing incidence of bomb threats around the country which has caused “disruption of classes, panic, and unnecessary stress.”
“While the said bomb threats turned out to be a hoax, we reiterate our call for police visibility near the schools,” it said, as it noted the increased incidence of bomb hoaxes on social media.
The department further called on school officials to “intensify security and be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of our teachers, students and personnel.”
Deped concluded, “We urge the public to report information on terror threats to the police and to avoid spreading unverified information especially through social media.”
In previous years, the department has issued orders and memoranda on how to respond to bomb threats.
In 1990, it issued a department order outlining emergency drills in cases of bomb threats. Among others, it said there must be tight security for all persons entering and leaving the building, and strict control and screening of suspicious packages.