Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
CEBU CITY — Authorities declared Ayala Malls Central Bloc at the Cebu IT Park safe on Friday night, after an extensive inspection found no explosive devices, hazardous materials or other security threats, allowing the mall to resume regular operations.
The final inspection, completed at 7:49 p.m., was jointly conducted by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (PA EOD), Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and mall management.
The inspection team, led by Police Col. Ricky Sumalde, Supt. Tito Pugatorio, Capt. Anthony Espiritu, Jhun Tariman and Emmylou Torrepalma, officially declared the mall secure after thoroughly checking the premises and comfort rooms where a social media post had said the improvised explosive device (IED) was placed.
Following the clearance, tenants gradually reopened their stores as normal mall operations resumed in an orderly manner.
Earlier in the day, Ayala Malls Central Bloc announced a temporary closure and evacuation after receiving information about an alleged bomb inside the building. Mall management said it immediately coordinated with the Mabolo Police Station and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to ensure the situation was handled swiftly and safely.
The mall also said it would remain closed to the public until law enforcement authorities cleared the building.
The security operation began after authorities received a social media message at around 3:40 p.m. claiming that an IED had been placed inside a comfort room on the mall’s second floor.
The report prompted the immediate activation of emergency protocols.
Responders systematically cleared the mall building floor by floor before continuing a more detailed inspection that ended Friday evening.
Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the city government immediately mobilized response teams upon receiving the report.
“The Philippine National Police, SWAT Team, K-9 Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, CCDRRMO, Barangay Apas responders and mall security promptly conducted coordinated search and clearing operations,” he said.
Archival also appealed for calm as authorities handled the incident.
“Atong gihangyo ang publiko nga magpabiling kalmado, likayan ang pagpakaylap og dili beripikadong impormasyon, ug sundon ang mga advisories gikan sa atong mga otoridad. Ang kaluwasan sa matag Sugboanon mao ang atong labing unang prayoridad (We urge the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and follow the advisories issued by our authorities. The safety of every Cebuano remains our top priority),” he said.
In a public advisory issued after the inspection, authorities thanked the personnel from the CCPO, BFP, PA EOD, CCDRRMO and mall management for their professionalism, swift response and thorough inspection.
They also expressed gratitude to tenants, shoppers and the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the operation, adding that their calm response helped ensure an orderly inspection.
Authorities reiterated that the safety and well-being of the public remain their highest priority.
Police have yet to announce whether the bomb threat was a hoax or not. They also have not identified the person responsible for the social media message. Police investigation is ongoing.
The bomb threat came a day after the security scare at Cebu Eastern College in Barangay Pahina Central. Police initially treated the report as a bomb threat but later confirmed it involved an alleged school shooting threat posted on Facebook. After inspecting the campus, authorities found no suspicious items or signs of an imminent attack, allowing classes to resume.