A bomb scare resulted to suspension of classes at the Davao Central Colleges along Juan Dela Cruz Street in Toril Proper yesterday, Tuesday.
At around 7:45 in the morning, one team from Task Group Falcon of Task Force Davao, led by Maj Reynaldo B Geslaga, and a Philippine Army K9 unit, responded to a bomb threat which was received through a text message from Melody Cariño, Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer of the school.
At 8:03 a.m., the Army K-9 team conducted paneling within the school campus. This was followed at about 8:45 a.m. by members of the Task Force Davao Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team who conducted initial investigation while one squad of the quick reaction team conducted area security.
At 10:15 a.m., Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of Task Force Davao, arrived in the area to assess the situation.
As of 10:45 a.m., the K-9 and EOD teams declared the school premises safe from any Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or bomb.
The TF Davao had a meeting with Rev. Ruben Dela Cruz, college president, after the incident.
According to Mempin, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is assessing three possible motives in the incident –the pending replacement of security guards on October 31, 2018; students involved in illegal drugs who are to be expelled; and the removal of some members of school’s faculty.
He said that the incident will not affect the security plans for undas.
“We are stringent and vigilant against all threats to the city, but we need also the support and cooperation of the public in our fight against terrorism,” Mempin said, adding that “all should be vigilant as security is everybody’s concern.”
According to Gil Briela Azuro, teacher of DCC, students of Senior High School Department and College were supposed to have their semi-final examinations yesterday, October 30, however due to the incident classes was suspended and he examinations are postponed to November 5.
