18/11/2025
𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗢𝗠𝗕 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘
The LAKAS Youth Organization expresses its strongest and most unequivocal condemnation of the recent series of bomb threats targeting educational institutions across Iloilo City and the province. These malicious acts have endangered thousands of students, disrupted their learning, and undermined the peace and security of our campuses.
Over the past week, threats directed at West Visayas State University (La Paz, Janiuay, and Calinog campuses), Iloilo Science and Technology University, Iloilo National High School, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, St. Therese MTC Colleges, Guimbal National High School, Iloilo Merchant Marine School, and multiple other schools have forced evacuations and suspended face-to-face classes. While no explosive devices have been found, the fear and chaos inflicted upon students and the academic community are real and unacceptable.
𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗨𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
These hoax threats have caused sudden interruptions to classes, examinations, laboratory sessions, and essential academic activities. For students especially those preparing for major requirements, every lost day is a setback. These threats are not mere disturbances; they directly undermine the right of learners to continuous, quality education.
𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗦
The disruption affects more than the classroom. Many students come from families who rely on day-to-day income, and sudden class suspensions also impact faculty members, non-teaching staff, campus employees, dorm owners, vendors, jeepney drivers, and small businesses that depend on the steady flow of student communities. These threats have inflicted unwarranted economic harm on already vulnerable sectors.
𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠
These threats have stirred widespread fear and anxiety among learners. The emotional distress, confusion, and trauma experienced by students, who deserve safe, stable, and nurturing learning environments, cannot be minimized. These acts deliberately weaponize fear and prey on the vulnerability, causing harm that extends far beyond the physical campus.
𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬
Schools should be sanctuaries where students think freely, grow confidently, and learn without fear. Bomb threats, hoax or otherwise, are direct attacks on the human rights. They violate the right to education, the right to safety, and the right to a stable and peaceful academic environment. They also threaten the broader community by sowing distrust, panic, and instability.
𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
LAKAS Youth Organization urges law enforcement to intensify investigations and schools to strengthen security and maintain transparent communication. We call on learners, parents, and student organizations to remain vigilant, verify information, and support those affected. Students are not passive victims; the youth of Iloilo remain steadfast and refuse to let fear or misinformation shape our learning environments.
𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
LAKAS Youth Organization stands in solidarity with all affected students, families, teachers, and school workers. We commit to actively defending safe, democratic, and uninterrupted education, and to challenging all actions that undermine the well-being and future of the youth.
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿.
