Face-to-face classes at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) main campus in Iloilo City were disrupted temporarily morning on Friday, November 15, 2024, after the school received a threat on alleged six bombs placed in the campus.

The threat sent through the school’s official social media page mentioned of three bombs at the main site while the other three in the old site.

A team from the Explosives and Ordnance Division [EOD] of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army responded to conduct paneling in the area. All classrooms, offices, and other areas in the campus were inspected.

“Lahat ng students at lahat ng activities na-stop. Pinalabas namin ang lahat ng students for safety purposes,” said Adrian Pillano, a member of the faculty.

The comment mentioned of alleged unfair practices in the screening and acceptance of students. It cited that "deserving" students could not get into the enrollment roster because of alleged “backers” (a colloquial term to mean the value system where one gains favor through affiliation or friendship, as opposed to one's merit).

In a post of a woman who claimed to be a friend of the owner of the social media account used in the sending of the bomb threat, she said that the account was hacked and that it was the hacker who sent the message. The friend called on the public to be considerate and to stop judgment upon the account owner, citing that her friend is also a victim.

“Nag-reach out siya at humingi ng apology. Sinabi niya na na-hack ang kanyang account, but of course, depende yan sa result ng investigation because we already reached out sa cybercrime [unit]. Ina-appeal ko lang sa general public, huwag na nating dagdagan ng speculations at mga haka-haka; paniwalaan [natin] ang official statement from the university,” Dr. Gabriel Salistre, president of ISAT U, said.

In an official statement, ISAT U said that in response, they immediately suspended all face-to-face classes, onsite operations, and activities to prioritize the safety of all students, faculty, and staff.

“With the coordinated efforts of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CRRMO), and ISAT U selected personnel, the campus was thoroughly inspected, and by 11:30 a.m. on the same day, it was cleared with no danger found,” the statement posted on ISAT University-Public Information Office page reads.

“The University is now working with the proper authorities to conduct an official investigation into the origin of this threat. Necessary legal actions will be taken to ensure that those responsible for the incident are held accountable,” it added.

No bomb was found in the campus after the EOD inspection, the authorities emphasized.