THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) ordered the immediate evacuation of its entire campus on Friday following a reported bomb threat, prompting a full security sweep in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
University officials said the decision to clear the premises was made to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff, as authorities conducted a thorough inspection of all buildings and grounds. No details were provided on the source or specific nature of the threat, and the campus remained closed as security personnel completed their assessment.
As a precautionary measure, classes at all levels — from basic education through graduate programs — will shift to fully online instruction on Saturday, October 24. Administrative and support personnel will also adopt remote work arrangements for the day, with physical campus access restricted to authorized security and emergency response teams. The university advised the UST community to monitor official channels for further updates on when in‑person activities may safely resume.
The incident has raised concerns about campus safety protocols, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether the threat was credible or intended solely to cause disruption. Similar reports have targeted other educational institutions across the country in recent months. UST assured the public that it is working closely with law enforcement to investigate the matter and take appropriate action, while prioritizing the well‑being of its community above all else.
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