- 14-year-old who confessed to bomb threats exempt from criminal liability
THE 14-YEAR-OLD prankster who led police on a merry chase after falsely claiming to have planted a bomb at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) in Matina on Thursday, Oct 23.
According to the Davao City Police Office report, DRANHS principal Romeo S. Camilotes was alerted by students who saw the threatening Facebook post by alias Xy (TIMES is withholding his identity).
The post featured a photo of students in formation and was captioned in Bisaya: “TAPOK SAMO KAY GITAMNAN NANAKOG LANDMINE INYONG FIELD KARONG GABIUNA (Gather up because I planted a landmine in your field tonight).”
At approximately 10:05 a.m., personnel from Police Station 3 (Talomo) and the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) DCPO, led by Major Genesis P. Oriel, immediately responded to the alarm.
Further investigation confirmed that the account owner was a Grade 9 student residing in Km. 7, Matina Pangi, Davao City.
Further police verification revealed a pattern of behavior, indicating the minor had created multiple Facebook accounts to post similar threatening messages targeting other educational institutions, including Talomo National High School.
The joint police operation coordinated with Matina Pangi barangay officials and the mother, resulting in the rescue of the minor. He turned over the Realme Android phone to the Anti-Cybercrime Unit for analysis.
Upon interview, the teenager confessed to creating the post only to delete it later for fear of criminal charges.
The police confirmed that the minor was born in January 2011, which makes him exempt from criminal liability consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006).
Further background checks revealed the minor had a history of behavioral issues at his previous school, DRANHS, including cutting classes, carrying a bladed weapon, possession of a pellet gun, threatening a female teacher, and creating trouble with classmates.
His parents had transferred him to Matina Pangi High School in June 2025 due to these multiple recorded issues.
Following the evaluation, the social worker advised the police to release the minor to the custody of his parents, subject to mandatory home visitation and counseling.
DCPO issues stern warning
Meanwhile, the DCPO warned that making or spreading bomb threats, regardless of intent, constitutes a serious criminal offense under Presidential Decree No. 1727 (PD 1727).
Under this law, any individual found guilty of making or circulating false bomb reports faces severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to ₱40,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Col Mannan C. Muarip, the acting city director, said, “Public safety is our top priority. The Davao City Police Office will exhaust all legal means to identify and prosecute those who cause alarm and fear through false threats. Let us be responsible citizens and work together to keep Davao City safe and secure.”
