Ayala Malls Central Bloc in Cebu City was cleared for safety late Friday night after an extensive search found no explosives or hazards. The mall returned to regular operations following the thorough inspection.
Comprehensive Security Response to Bomb Threat
The safety of every Cebuano remains our top priority.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival
- Inspection completed by multiple agencies including CCPO and BFP.
- Search initiated after a social media report of an IED.
The inspection team, consisting of officials from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), conducted their final checks at 7:49 p.m. They focused on areas mentioned in the threat, particularly comfort rooms.
The rapid response by mall management began earlier in the day when they received alarming information about an alleged bomb at approximately 3:40 p.m. This led to an immediate evacuation and coordination with law enforcement.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that the city government activated emergency protocols without delay. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information during the incident.
Although no explosives were found, police have not yet determined if the bomb threat was a hoax or identified the individual responsible for the social media claim. Investigations are ongoing.
This incident follows a recent security scare at Cebu Eastern College, which was initially treated as a bomb threat but later revealed to be a false alarm regarding a potential school shooting. Authorities are taking these situations seriously to ensure the safety of students and the public.