Silliman University in Dumaguete City was declared safe late Monday, July 6, 2026, after an emailed bomb threat triggered an hours-long security sweep involving police explosive ordnance disposal teams, K9 units, and multiple partner agencies. Authorities confirmed that no explosive devices or credible threats were found anywhere on campus.
Police Confirm All Five Threatened Areas Cleared
The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), under Provincial Director PCOL Timmar J. Alam, issued its all-clear at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Monday, stating that all five campus locations identified in the threat had been thoroughly inspected. Responding units included personnel from the Dumaguete City Police Station, EOD specialists, and K9 teams, with support from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"Security forces have confirmed no explosive devices or credible threats were present," NOrPPO said in its official update, commending the swift and coordinated response of all agencies involved.
Email Sent to ICT Division Named Five Campus Sites
The threat was first received at around 10:00 a.m. Monday by the University's Information and Communication Technology Division. The email came from a sender identified only as "Tenna Tenna," claiming that bombs had been planted at multiple locations across the campus.
The message specifically named five sites: the Luce Auditorium, the senior high school buildings, the third floor of Oriental Hall, the junior high school, and Chanon Hall. The sender urged the immediate evacuation of students from all identified areas.
Silliman Activates Safety Protocols, Urges Calm
In an advisory issued the same day, Silliman University confirmed receipt of the threat and said it had immediately activated appropriate safety and security protocols in coordination with campus security personnel and the Philippine National Police.
The University asked members of the campus community — students, faculty, and staff — to remain calm, follow the instructions of security personnel, and rely exclusively on official University channels for updates and guidance throughout the duration of the response.
Fake Memorandum Falsely Attributed to University Administrator Circulates Online
Amid the unfolding security response, a fabricated memorandum began circulating on social media, falsely attributed to University Administrator Dr. Arthur V. Pendleton. The document falsely announced a suspension of classes and campus operations on July 7, 2026.
Silliman University moved quickly to warn the public that the document did not originate from the University and had no official standing. The University urged the community not to create, forward, or share unverified information, particularly during an active security situation.
NOrPPO Warns Against Spreading False Information
NOrPPO echoed the University's call for vigilance, appealing to the public to avoid spreading unverified reports or "fake news" that could cause unnecessary panic. The office reminded residents that making false bomb threats constitutes a serious criminal offense under Philippine law and is subject to corresponding penalties.
Classes and campus operations continued to be governed by official University communications as clearing operations were completed throughout the day and into the evening.
By the Numbers
- 10:00 a.m. — Time the bomb threat email was received by the University's ICT Division on Monday, July 6
- 5 — Number of campus locations named in the threat: Luce Auditorium, senior high school buildings, third floor of Oriental Hall, junior high school, and Chanon Hall
- 10:10 p.m. — Time NOrPPO officially declared the campus clear of any explosive devices or credible threats
- 1 — Fake memorandum falsely attributed to University Administrator Dr. Arthur V. Pendleton, circulated on social media during the response
Why This Matters
The incident required the mobilization of multiple law enforcement and military agencies — including EOD teams, K9 units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the AFP — to secure a major educational institution serving thousands of students in Dumaguete City. The simultaneous spread of a fabricated suspension memorandum on social media during an active security sweep highlights the compounding danger that misinformation poses during emergencies. NOrPPO's reminder that filing false bomb threats is a criminal offense under Philippine law underscores the serious legal consequences for those who misuse such threats to disrupt public order.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Silliman University