Talisay City Hall Suspended Following Social Media Bomb Threat
Operations at the Talisay City Hall were abruptly suspended on the morning of April 28, 2026, after a bomb threat was sent to Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr. through social media. The threat, which claimed that explosive devices had been planted in three separate buildings within the city hall complex, prompted an immediate evacuation of all personnel and the public.
Immediate Tactical Response
Upon receiving the message, Mayor Gullas coordinated with the Talisay City Police Station and specialized units to secure the premises. The response teams included:
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team
Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (EOD-K9) 7
Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)
Authorities conducted a systematic "paneling" operation, thoroughly inspecting the three targeted buildings. By 11:56 AM, Police Lt. Col. Maila Maramag officially declared the area negative for any explosive devices.
Precautionary Measures and Disruptions
Despite the "all-clear" signal, Mayor Gullas opted to keep the City Hall closed for the remainder of the day as a safety precaution. All scheduled government transactions and community programs, including summer workshops and clinics, were canceled.
"The safety and security of our people will always remain our top priority," Gullas stated, while also apologizing to taxpayers and students whose day was disrupted by the incident.
Legal Consequences and Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the threat may have originated from a hijacked or fake Facebook account, which used the identity of a woman who has since claimed her profile was compromised.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that perpetrators of such hoaxes face severe legal penalties under Presidential Decree No. 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. Convicted individuals can be punished with:
Imprisonment of up to five (5) years.
Fines of up to ₱40,000.
Additional charges under the Anti-Cybercrime Act of 2012 (RA 10175) for spreading false information online that causes public disorder.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through official police channels.
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