February 5, 2024

I think it is important to note na ang Senado ay tunay na may isang salita.

We began our hearing today consistent with our commitment, the commitment of our Senate President to the President, to explore and study amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution. These will be exhaustive hearings. Unlike itong pekeng PI, hindi naman ito iru-rush. We will do it right and we will follow our timetable––one that ensures that all voices are heard. These will be transparent; our people will know what is going on and what we are talking about. Wala po tayong itatago dito at higit sa lahat wala pong kalokohan gaya ng mga nadiskubre ng ating mga kasamahan noong nagpunta sila sa Davao with Senator Imee, Senator Bato and Senator Bong Go.

Ang Senado po kasi uulitin ko ay may isang salita. This was our commitment from the very beginning, and we only went off-track because of this ill-fated “Pekeng Initiative” that was pushed by some quarters with the support of the House of Representatives. Klaro po yan. Wala naman na pong naniniwala na sa kanila na wala silang kinalaman dito. 

We have been told that if the Senate will tackle RBH 6, goodbye PI na raw. Gayunpaman, we will continue to be vigilant. Habang nakatutok kami dito sa RBH 6 hearings, todo bantay pa rin tayo sa galaw ng mga kasamahan natin sa House. Experience has taught us that what they say in the House and what they do can be two different things. We will make sure their words and actions are consistent.

These are parallel efforts that aim to protect the processes involved in amending our charter. While we make sure that RBH 6 sticks to the original intention to amend only the economic provisions of the Constitution, we will also continue to be proactive in our measures to thwart unconstitutional cha-cha efforts. Kasama dito ang investigation dyan na pinangungunahan ni Senator Imee Marcos. 

Linawin ko lang po kasi yung sinasabing “ceasefire”, eh “ceasefire” sa usapin ng PI, kaya we will refrain from debating on this issue. Pero yung “ceasefire” po does not mean “cease working” or “stop the PI inquiry.” Kasi syempre kung may nakita po tayong sablay. Tumatawa po si Senator Bato kasi ang dami na niyang nakitang sablay. Kapag may nakitang sablay ang Senado, talagang iimbestigahan po ito.  Hindi naman po tayo magkikibit balikat. Yung ongoing hearings are in the process of unearthing evidence, and nakita naman natin na meron talagang questionable sa pagpapapirma ng pekeng initiative. May mali po. Why should we turn a blind eye to these irregularities? Ang dami pang tanong; sino ang nagpondo sa kampanya? Saan galing itong pondo ng PI ? Bakit nagkaroon ng traffic sa Forbes Park noong kuhanan ng 2.5? Bakit may traffic? Bakit ang mga chief-of-staff ay nagkukumahog na pumunta doon?

Ayaw natin na masayang ang salapi ng taumbayan. Kaya po tayo narito ngayon to make sure that we will hear this exhaustibly and with transparency. The people have the right to know if their money is being used properly for their benefit and not for the benefit of a political agenda. Ang gusto kasi ng iba, forgive and forget nalang. Hindi naman tama yun. Hindi na kami magsasalita tungkol sa PI; but we should let the witnesses speak––we should let the evidence speak. And at the end of the day, kung may gumawa ng labag sa batas, those responsible should be held accountable.

Ang bottomline po dito is ginagawa ng Senado ay yung ating trabaho. Trabaho po natin ito. Kaya naman namin isabay ang pagdinig at pag-investigate. Kasi hindi naman tayo ganon ka-busy sa paggawa ng mga resolusyon supporting our Senate President or supporting Senator Imee Marcos kasi dito po sa Senado, alam na natin kung ano yung tama at hindi na kailangan ng mga ganyan kasi alam naman nila na they have the support of the Senate.

Sa pinakabagong atake ng Makati, pinuna nito ang paninisi umano ng Taguig sa pagsasara ng day care centers sa EMBO barangays nang walang paunang abiso. Ayon sa Makati, kasalanan ng Taguig na hindi ito nakapaghanda sa pagbúkas ng bagong day care centers dahil noong Disyembre 31, 2023 pa itinakda ang pagsasara at  inurong pa nga ito sa  Enero 31, 2024.

Kasinungalingan na nagbigay ng paunang abiso ang Makati. Mapapansin agad sa pahayag ni Atty. Claro F. Certeza, ang City Administrator ng Makati, na hindi niya binanggit kung kailan at paano  ipinaabot sa Taguig ang abisong isasara na nila ang day care centers. Hindi niya mabanggit sapagkat WALANG abisong ibinigay ang Makati.

Ang totoo, noong Nobyembre 2023 pa lamang, ang City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) ng Taguig ay humihingi na ng pulong sa kanilang mga katambal sa opisyal ng Makati para pag-usapan ang transition na pangungunahan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Ngunit laging iniiwasan ng CSWDO ng Makati ang hiling na pulong, at idinadahilan na kinakailangan munang maglabas ng writ of execution ang mga korte. Nagpadala pa ng sulat ang CSWDO ng Taguig sa DSWD-NCR upang humingi ng tulong para magkaroon ng pulong. Ngunit dahil ayaw makipag-ugnayan ng Makati, hindi naganap ang nasabing pulong. Ang resulta: biglang isinara ang mga day care centers (Tingnan ang mga kalakip na sulat ng CSWDO at DSWD-NCR).

Ang Makati, na ayon sa pinál na desisyon ng Korte Suprema ay halos tatlong (3) dekadang ilegal na umukupa sa mga barangay ng EMBO, ay hindi matanggap ang mapait na pagkatalo sa kaso. Kaya sa halip na makipagtulungan sa Taguig para sa isang maayos na transition, sinasabotahe nito ang transition upang makaganti sa Taguig. Hindi nila alintana na ang tunay nilang pineperwisyo ay ang kanilang mga “anak” sa EMBO na noon ay iniyakan pa ng kanilang Alkalde dahil mawawalay na sa kanya. 

Ang ginagawa  ng Makati na nagtatahi ng mga kasinungalingan ay nagpapaalala sa atin sa kuwento sa Biblia tungkol sa dalawang ina na nag-aangkin sa iisang sanggol. Upang malutas ang agawan, nagdesisyon si Haring Solomon na hatiin ang katawan ng sanggol  at ibigay sa bawat babae ang kanyang kalahati. Ang isa sa babae ay agad sumang-ayon sa hatol, at nagsabing kung hindi lang din sa kanya mapupunta ang sanggol ay mas mabuti pang wala sa kanilang dalawa ang makakakuha nito. Ang isa pang babae ay dumulog kay Haring Solomon, at nakiusap na ibigay ang sanggol sa ibang babae ngunit huwag lamang ipapatay. Itinuring ni Solomon na ang pangalawang babae ang tunay na ina, sapagkat tanging ang tunay na ina ang handang ibigay ang sanggol para iligtas ang buhay nito.

Ang ating mga kilos, samakatuwid, ang naglalantad ng katotohanan o kasinungalingan ng ating mga pahayag.

Ang kahiligan ng Makati na magpakalat ng fake news ay tugmang-tugma  sa kanilang pag-agaw sa EMBO mula sa Taguig. Ang pinakabagong kasinungalingan ng Makati   ay hindi ang unang beses at tiyak na hindi rin ito ang huli.

Gayunpaman, ang masamang gawain ng Makati ay tila pangsusungít na lamang ng isang batang paslit na hindi napagbibigyan ang gusto nito. Hindi nakatutuwa ang ganitong masamang asal subalit hindi rin naman nagiging hadlang sa pagpapatupad ng Taguig sa mga plano nito sa ikagagaling ng mga residente ng EMBO. Ang mga pangangailangan ng mga residente sa EMBO sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at iba pang serbisyong pampubliko ay puspusang tinutugunan nang may pagmamalasakit. Ang mga residente ng EMBO ay nagagalak na tinatanggap at nararanasan nila ang positibong pagbabago. Ang di-nakakubling plano ng Makati na sabotahin ang pamamahala ng Taguig sa mga barangay ng EMBO ay tiyak na mabibigo.

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Mr. President, it is with such joy and pride that I wish to thank this august chamber for approving on Third Reading Senate Bill No. 2449, which lays down Organizational Reforms in the Philippine National Police, amending Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551.

RA 8551 mandated the NAPOLCOM and the PNP to propose organizational reforms to our national police agency to be approved by [the] Congress. For several congresses, Mr. President, the proposal to institutionalize these much-needed reforms in the Philippine National Police barely moved. In some congresses, the said proposal was given the courtesy of a Committee Hearing, while in others it was simply read on First Reading and then archived. As a consequence, the PNP was forced by circumstance to operate and function with an organizational structure based on a law crafted 25 years ago. 

To my colleagues Senator Bong Revilla and Senator JV Ejercito who also co-sponsored the bill, co-authors Senate President Migz Zubiri, Senator Bong Go, Senator Francis Tolentino, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, thank you for the support you have shown this bill, for seeing not just its necessity, but also its urgency.

Kina Senator Francis Tolentino, Senator Allan Cayetano, Senator Bong Go, Senator Win Gatchalian, Senator Grace Poe, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Chiz Escudero, Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Risa Hontiveros, at Minority Leader Senator Koko Pimentel, Senator Jinggoy  Estrada, maraming salamat sa inyo. Senator Robinhood Padilla, Senator Nancy Binay, Senator Sonny Angara, maraming salamat sa inyong tulong. 

Kung ang pagsasabatas ng isang panukala ay ihahalintulad natin sa paggawa ng bahay, malaki ang aking kumpyansa na ang bahay na ating itinatayo ay matatag at hindi mapipinsala ng anumang unos o sama ng panahon.  Pinatibay po ng inyong bawat tanong, komento, at suhestyon ang pundasyon ng panukalang ito.

And of course, to the personnel of the Philippine National Police, headed by the able leadership of Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief PNP, along with Police Major General Rudolph Dimas, the Director for Plans, as well as Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., Police Colonel Wilson A. Santos VI, Police Colonel Ricky Delelis, Police Major William Aspilan Jr., and Police Major Joey S. Delos Santos, and to the National Police Commission, with Alberto A. Bernardo, Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer, Commissioner Edilberto D.C. Leonardo, Commissioner Ricardo P. Bernabe III, Commissioner Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancio, Staff Service Chief Planning and Research Service Evangeline R. Almirante, Staff Service Chief Legal Affairs Service Atty. Chito Noel D. Bustonera, and Special Police Assistant to NAPOLCOM PCol. Laudemer N. Llaneta, and to the Department of Interior and Local Government led by our competent secretary, Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.: Words are not enough to thank you for your patience, your wisdom, and your hard work. After all these years, finally, the PNP organizational reforms we sought to introduce are being materialized. They are beginning to see the light of day. I hope we can all welcome that day together, when this measure is passed into law, soon enough.

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to this august body. We have acted in the spirit of the words of George Bernard Shaw, refusing to wait for the right opportunity, we have, instead, gone ahead and created the opportunity.

Moving forward, I have more reason to hope, Mr. President. May this be the year that they receive, in their honorable institution, the legislated reforms they so rightfully deserve. Maraming salamat, Mr. President.

February is, without a doubt, one of the busiest months of the year. Case in point: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day make a great combination at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan as the malls roll out “Luck in Love” with festive activities, surprising events, and attractions for the mall goers to enjoy.

This year, the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations come full circle with love and prosperity. Shoppers can have a fun time taking photos and get in the festive mood with the Luck in Love centerpiece in SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

Spot the lucky dragon and get helpful tips on love, wealth, health, and career with the “Lucky Forecast” Chinese zodiac, and uncover what the stars have in store for you as you step into the year of the dragon. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling in love, lucky heart installations adorned with Chinese lanterns and charms add a heartwarming delight to lovers, friends, and family who are celebrating togetherness this love season.

It’s also the best time to surprise loved ones this February with the perfect gift from a wide selection of variants to choose from at the Luck in Love Fair. From novelty items, lucky charms, popular Chinese treats, unique gifts, boxes of chocolates, and customized flowers, the fair will give you creative ideas and lots of options to make your loved ones feel extra special this luck and love season.

As a special treat for the Year of the Dragon, be mesmerized as the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dance will be gracing every corner of SM Bulacan malls on February 10. On the same date, SM City Baliwag will light up the night sky through a dazzling firework display to ignite the Lunar New Year.

To add good vibes, shoppers can also enjoy sweet melodies during the Love Playlist session, with live musical performances on Valentine’s Day. Needless to say, February at SM Bulacan malls is a double celebration of luck and love. Experience all that and more at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. Follow their social media pages for updates.

Ring in the Chinese New Year and prepare foods traditionally eaten during this celebration that double as symbols meant to bring good fortune. From sticky rice balls for togetherness to a whole steamed fish for abundance, find all your lucky food and more at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan.

1. Dumplings

Dumplings are still at the top of the list. Usually associated with wealth, it has been a Chinese tradition that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make.

Now, ready-made dumplings that you can conveniently enjoy anytime, anywhere are available at DECS, Hen Lin, and Pao Tsin, located at SM Markets in SM Bulacan malls.

2. Spring Rolls

In the Philippines, any gathering would not be complete without spring rolls—specifically, Lumpiang Shanghai. At any celebration, Filipinos love to have these on their tables because of their simple recipe.

For extra meaty goodness, Lumpiang Shanghai at Max’s Restaurant and Goldilocks at SM City Marilao are a must-try. This dish is a carrier of prosperity and is also associated with wealth because of its resemblance to gold bars.

3. Whole Fish

A serving of steamed whole fish is considered a good omen to having more money in the upcoming year. The Chinese character for fish is “yu,” which, when pronounced in modern Chinese, means abundance.

For a tasty platter of sweet and sour fish or steamed fish in light soy sauce, head on to SM Bulacan malls’ Kuya J, Gerry’s Grill, and Giligan’s Restaurant for a satisfying fix that you can enjoy for dine-in or to-go.

4. Noodles

The so-called longevity noodles are served not only at Chinese New Year celebrations but even on birthdays. These noodles are particularly auspicious as they represent health and long life.

Chowking at SM Bulacan malls offers aromatic noodle dishes like the long-life Pancit Canton. Experience with Chowking the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that define Chinese cuisine without breaking the bank.

5. Rice cakes

Nian gao, better known as tikoy in the Philippines, is one of the most popular dishes during Chinese New Year. Tikoy brings prosperity to those who give and receive it, so you can expect to be gifted a few boxes of this rice cake throughout the season. Tikoy comes in different flavors and may come in different shapes. Available at SM City Marilao’s Eng Bee Tin and SM Bulacan malls’ Classic Savory and SM Markets.

6. Fruit and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits play a vital role at a Chinese dinner table, each symbolizing specific prosperity. For instance, grapefruit represents family, while mushrooms represent blessings and fortune. All these are freshly available at SM Markets in SM Bulacan malls. Now that you have these lucky food guides, you are surely ready to celebrate and welcome the affluence of the Lunar New Year. These simple, everyday dishes are made more meaningful when shared with loved ones. Visit your favorite SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan for an exciting and memorable celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Amidst being a highly urbanized province as the capital of Central Luzon, Pampanga still nurture its beautiful mountain and very productive rice fields particularly in the rice-producing town of Candaba. Photo taken on Saturday, February 3 by Carmela Reyes-Estrope  

CANDABA, Pampanga—President Marcos said here on Saturday that the national government is addressing today’s threats and effects of El Nino affecting the rice industry sector through intensified water supply programs particularly the solar-powered irrigation project that will benefit all farmers in the country and through the P31-billion worth of funds for the national rice program.

The President who staged a ceremonial palay harvesting process in a rice land area in Barangay Mandili also led the distribution of rice seeds and fertilizer to more than 1,000 farmers. The distribution was held at the covered court of Mandili National High School.

According to the President, the El Nino being experienced today continuously affects the farmers and causes damages to their crops. He said the El Nino is expected to last until the month of June and even until before the end of 2024. But he said, the Filipinos are not afraid of the El Nino because the national government is there to give all the needed support to the agriculture sector particularly to the rice industry.

Through the Philippine Solar Irrigation project, where each unit could provide water supply to 20 hectares of rice farms, hundreds of farmers will be benefited. The water project, the President said, is the major key in improving the production yield of the farmers and to help reduce the country’s rice importation.

Mr. Marcos said the national government is aimed in reducing the annual 3.5 million tons of rice importation from Vietnam through the solar-powered irrigation which will give sufficient water supply to farmers in the country and will irrigate 180,000 hectares of rice farms that could cut 1.2 million tons from the said annual volume of the country’s rice importation.

He said during a recent visit he and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made in Vietnam, they were amazed on the high volume of rice yield in the country that’s why they are now stepping up measures to increase our country’s rice production.

“Kapag marami na ang supply ng tubig pang irigasyon, makaka-3 croppings na tayo sa isang taon, hindi tulad ng kapag rain-fed ang ating tubig, 2 croppings lang. Susi at talagang ang sekreto ay ang patubig,” (When there is sufficient water supply for irrigation, our farmers could have 3-croppings a year, unlike when we only depend on rain-fed waters, we only achieve 2-croppings a year. The real key and secret is the water system), the President said.

The President however expressed elation in the recent success of the rice industry in the country after it increased to more than 20 metric tons or 1.5% of its rice production in 2023. The increase is equivalent to an additional 300,000 tons in yield. This was achieved, he said through the improved rice seeds, fertilizers and joint support and efforts of all the farmers and stakeholders and the implementation of the Department of Agriculture of its programs to help the farmers increase their production.

But the President said other than the challenges brought by El Nino, the rice production industry also faces other challenges for new types of rice seeds that are suitable for climate change and the creation of climate risk assessment. “Farmers need to know if there are other varieties that can stand rains, typhoons and dry spell,” Mr. Marcos said.

He assured Candaba farmers of help for their needed rice mills so that they will no longer rely on rice mill services in Bulacan.

Under the P31-billion national rice program for 2024, production management, extension services, research and development and irrigation network services will be given priorities. The President also said that the national government will continue to use the funds under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund to acquire mechanical and equipment tools for the farmers like tiller, tractor, trashers, harvesters, seeder and others.

Additional capitals will also be provided to the farmers through Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Agricultural Technology Institute and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) not only to uplift the living condition of the farmers but more so to strengthen the modernization of the agriculture and farming sector in the country.

“The dedication of our farmers, their sacrifices and the continued hard work of their bare hands in tilling the lands and our soil give life and inspiration to the Filipino people. Each of the grains they plant will grow to become the foundation of a much stronger, much stable future. Your government is with all of you to help you achieve all your hopes and aspirations. The government and the cooperation of the agriculture sector is just one of the many steps towards achieving our new nation, where no one will be left in hunger and that each and everyone will strongly join hands in the pursuit of our new future, our Bagong Pilipinas. Long live Bagong Pilipinas,” the President ended his speech.

Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque expressed gratitude to the President as he led
Candaba the more 1,000 farmer beneficiaries of the rice seeds, fertilizers and P5,000 cash money.

Maglanque said there are more than 30,000 hectares of rice farms in the 33 barangays of Candaba and that 10,500 families are engaged in rice farming and agriculture.

He said his town produces 2 million sacks of rice or 91 metric tons during the dry season including different types of vegetables including watermelon and melon.

But he said, during the wet season, because of the flood affecting the Candaba swamp, their production diminishes to a large percent. Candaba, he said, is affected by 1-5 floods a year.

Maglanque also assured the President of the whole Candaba’s support to him amid negative issues currently being hurled against the President.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro led Bulacan officials and residents in the 97^th commemoration  of the birth anniversary of the late former DFA and Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople at Bulacan Capitol grounds on Saturday.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega who represented as guest of honor and speaker DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo said that the agency’s leaders are continuously emulating the exemplary leadership and services of “Ka Blas” during his stint as the DFA secretary from July 16, 2002 to December 14, 2003.

Ople died at the age of 76 on December 14, 2003 as DFA Secretary.

“Under the leadership of our current Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, we continuously bear in our hearts the ideals and wisdom set by Gat Blas F. Ople. In his more than one year as head of the agency, he had contributed great achievements as Foreign Affairs Secretary. First among them was protecting the rights of the Overseas Filipino Workers. Until today, it is one of our Top 3 international policies which also include national security and economic diplomacy,” De Vega said.

He added that Ople played a big role in the passage of Republic Act for overseas absentee voting and dual citizenship.

“Tunay na maituturing siyang huwarang anak ng Bulacan na naging respetadong lider hindi lamang sa ating bansa kundi sa mundo ng diplomasya”, (He is really someone who can be called as as an exemplary son of Bulacan because of bei9ing a respected statesman not only in our country but in the whole spectrum of diplomacy), the DFA undersecretary said.

Fernando and Castro both urged Bulakenyos to walk with the same ideals and spirit of Ka Blas as they were joined by De Vega in a wreath-laying before the bust of Ople and the Gat Blas F. Ople Building: Sentro ng Kabataan, Kaalaman, at Hanapbuhay, Antonio S. Bautista, Bulacan at the Capitol grounds.

Ople was also the “Father of the Labor Code” and the “Father of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In May 1985, he was appointed by president Corazon Aquino as a member of the opposition to serve in the Constitutional Commission of 1986. In 1992, he was elected senator and became senate president before he ended his term in 2000.

Fernando encouraged every Bulakenyo leader and residents to emulate the kind of nationalism through leadership and services to the Filipino people the late statesman rendered all throughout his life.

“While we are facing the challenges in our times, we should let the great services to the Filipino nation and our people be our guiding light and spirit including his advocacy in protecting the welfare of our workers here and abroad and his love for all the Filipino people,” the governor said.

He emphasized that Ka Blas’s excellence in public service is an honor that his children are continually embracing and pursuing.

“I just want to emphasize that the kind of at par leadership and services Ople had given is a pride and dignity of a Bulakenyo that his children had continued,” the governor also said.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the whole province of Bulacan mourned the death of Ople’s youngest daughter, then DMW Secretary Susan Ople died of ailment August 22 last year. She was appointed DMW secretary by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In July last year, a month before she passed away, Ople mourned the death of her two brothers, former Hagonoy Mayor and First District Board Member Felix Ople and Blas Ople Jr., who also died because of ailments.

Councilor Therese Cheryll Ople, Hagonoy Councilor Dalisay Ople-San Jose, Board Members Romina Fermin and Casey E. Howard, and Provincial Government of Bulacan department heads and employees headed by Provincial Administrator Antonette V. Constantino also lead the commemoration ceremony.

February 3, 2024 was declared a Special Working Holiday in the Province of Bulacan.

CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando wants a tighter watch and a deeper police investigation in the series of bomb threats in at least six campuses of a government-run university and college in the province despite everything turned out to be a hoax.

In the first quarterly Bulacan Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here on Thursday presided over by Fernando , he calls on the police to be on high alert and on the guard amid the threats in Meneses Campus of the Bulacan State University (BulSU) and in all the five campuses of the Bulacan Polytechnic College (BPC), a tertiary institution in the province owned and run by the provincial government of Bulacan.

Fernando said while it turned out to be good, because they were just pranks, the people behind such crime which caused alarm not only among the university populace but also the rest of the communities in the province should not continue unpunished.

He said there could be some elements who are taking opportune time to create havoc.

“Our police should not take the threats lightly. We do not know who is behind these. There could be some lawless elements and our students and our people will suffer,” the governor said.

“Nagsisiguro lang tayo dahil may sumasabay na nag bo-bomb threat , baka mamaya eh, hindi tayo sigurado, nakikita naman natin sa Mindanao, baka pumunta dito sa Luzon. Mainam na nagbabantay tayo, maagap tayo, kesa pabanjing-banjing lang tayo, kawawa naman ang ating mga estudyante at kawawa naman tayiong lahat,” (We are just making it sure because there are those who are taking the opportunity for these bomb threats. We are not sure that’s why we better to become watchful and ready. We should not take it sitting down. We all would be helpless), he also said.

Series of hoax bomb threats disrupted the classes in BulSU Meneses Campus in Bulakan town and in all the BPC campuses—Main Campus in this city and branch campuses in City of San Jose del Monte and the towns of Bocaue, San Miguel and San Rafael.

Police Chief Master Sergeant (PCMS) Gharry Cruz, head of the Bulacan Provincial Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) and K-9 Unit led his men in the search and clearing operations in all the said six campuses on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

But, EOD personnel and K-9 dogs found no bomb or any improvised explosive device.  

Bulakan police chief Maj. Darwin Barbosa requested the EOD-K-9 team following reports he received from BulSU Meneses officials of bomb and arson threats sent to messenger accounts of faculty members and students on Monday.   

At 10:31 pm, a certain “Lyn Ren” messenger account send this message to students and faculty members: ”Gusto niyo ba ituloy ang pasok bukas. Hahahahaha. Goodluck sa pasabog. Magpa-blessing kayo ng bagong room pero masasayang lang yan dahil bukas ay malalaman niyo ano mangyayari sa buong Meneses hindi ako nagbibro dahil magsisimula ulit kayo sa simula. Bagong campus para pagtayuan malay mo may bomba na sa bagong room o sa ibang room para bago lahat. Hahahahaha,” (Do you like to continue holding classes tomorrow? Hahahahaha. Goodluck in the explosions. Go ahead, conduct blessings of new rooms but that would just be wasted because tomorrow, you will know what would happen to the whole of Meneses campus. I am not making a joke because you will start all over again. New campus where something will be built. You wouldn’t know, there’s a bomb in the new room or in the other rooms. Hahahaha).

Messages also sent to students and faculty by “SindyEnemyOfAll” on Tuesday night said: “Dtlga kau nagiisip ha. Nagresume Classes pa kau  bukas at sa mga susunod na Araw kung Hindi kau sasabog kayong lahat ay masusunog tandaan nyo jan. Good luck sainung lahat ipagsawalang bahal niu lang magugulat kau, sasabog nalang kau jan. Sunog. Sunugin ang Menses. Gud lucksainyo bukas. Madami kayo may klase bukas madami kayo mamamatay. Pasasabugin naming ang Meneses susunugin kayong buhay damay damay to,” (You were not really thinking.. You resumed the classes tomorrow and in the next few days. If you do not explode, you will all burn, remember that. Goodluck to all of you. Ignore it and you will be surprised.  All of you will explode there. Fire. Burn the Meneses Campus. Goodluck to all of you tomorrow. Many of you have classes tomorrow, many of you will get killed. We will bomb Meneses. You will all be burnt alive. All will go down on this).

Because of the two days’ threat, BulSU President Teody San Andres ordered the classes suspended inside the Meneses Campus on Tuesday and Wednesday and classes were only held online, he told Inquirer.

At 9:00 am on Wednesday, BPC received a bomb threat on its Facebook Page. “Hell night. We planted our bombs in all your campuses specially in your main campus. This is the first step of our plan to ruin your province. Good luck!. At exactly 10:00 am, we will trigger the bomb,” the message reads,

Cruz said he and his team immediately conducted simultaneous search and clearing operations in all the five campuses in Bocaue, City of San Jose del Monte, San Miguel, San Rafael and in the Main Campus in City of Malolos.  

The troops ended their 13-hour operations from 9am-10pm and found no trace of a bomb.

Both the incidents are now under investigation by the Cybercrime Division of the Region 3 Police Office based in Camp Olivas, Pampanga, while they also conduct a deeper probe in the incidents, says Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo.