The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) warned against the reported successive “bomb threats” in various universities and schools across many provinces in recent weeks. The group said these may be intended to derail the mounting and more frequent anti-corruption protests of the youth and citizens.

“The suspicious bomb threats in several universities could be intended to derail anti-corruption protests and prevent students and teachers from marching together with people’s organizations and building a strong unity for accountability and justice,” Bayan declared.

In recent weeks, “bomb threats” have been reported in several universities in Metro Manila, including in De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila on October 2. A campus student council officer received an email on October 1 stating that a bomb had been planted to damage DLSU-Manila.

Due to the threat, classes were immediately canceled and DLSU-Manila was closed for the day. The “bomb threat” notably coincided with the scheduled walkout against corruption called for by the DLSU University Student Government and Lasallians Against Corruption.

“Bomb threats” were also reported in nine campuses in Pampanga, eight campuses in Batangas, four campuses in Laguna, and in the provinces of Quirino, Cavite, Albay, Iloilo, and Leyte. Most of the “bomb threats” came from “anonymous” numbers.

According to Anakbayan Pampanga, the “apparently coordinated” bomb threats must be immediately investigated. “We condemn the use of this situation to sow fear among students and in their expanding struggles,” the group said.

The group warned about the possible weaponizing of these “bomb threats” to suppress students’ rights, break their unity, and employ militarization and police entry into universities. In Pampanga, the local police announced it would use the “Anti-Terror Law” to stop the bomb threats.

“Using the Anti-Terror Law is not only inappropriate, it also clearly exposes the intent of the police and the Marcos Jr regime to exploit public unrest and fear,” Anakbayan-Pampanga declared. They also denounced the circulating claim that Anakbayan is behind the bomb threats.

According to Bayan, only corrupt bureaucrats and their minions would desperately try to undermine the people’s expression of outrage and clamor for change. “We should expose their malicious intent by demonstrating our resolve to pursue accountability despite their underhanded tactics,” the group said.

The group stated they will sustain anti-corruption protests and are ready to overcome all obstacles, including those who aim to derail the actions. “Resist the scare tactics. Struggle, fear not!” Bayan urged.