A bomb threat has prompted Lyceum of the Philippines University to reschedule examinations and cancel classes.
According to the Intramuros Police Community Precinct, the threat was made through an anonymous note left in one of the school's restrooms. The note, which was reported by school security at 11:45 a.m., said a bomb would explode within three hours.
Lyceum, through its Twitter account, announced an "emergency holiday" and cancelled afternoon classes. "Exams will be rescheduled," the school said.
The Manila Police District sent an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to check on the bomb threat but found nothing, Intramuros PCP said.
"All is clear and safe in (Lyceum) as per MPD EOD Head SPO1 Bienvenido Rania. Stay safe everyone," Lyceum said in a later tweet.
What to do in case of a bomb threat
Well, if you encounter a bomb threat, via phone or an anonymous note, keep calm and immediately report it to the authorities.
According to the Philippine National Police, bomb threats "received through any means of communication should be treated as real and should be forwarded immediately to the proper authorities."
If the threat is made through a note, as in Lyceum, the note should be handled carefully and given to the police for analysis and evaluation.
People receiving bomb threats over the telephone should try to find out who is calling and take note whether the voice sounds male or female, young or old, and whether the caller has speech impediments or peculiar voice characteristics.
"The receiving party should remain calm and courteous" while taking notes and trying to find out where the supposed bomb is and what it is made of, the PNP said. Once the call ends, the threat should be reported to the police.
In case of a suspicious package or object, call the police and escort them to where the package is.
Sandbags and mattresses can be placed around the object to minimize damage, but it should not be covered, the PNP said. Doors and windows should also be opened to reduce the risk of injury and damage from fragments.
Once that is done, the building should be evacuated, with everybody staying at least 300 feet away. Nobody should be allowed to go back in until the suspicious package has been dealt with and the police declare the area safe.
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