CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested yesterday a 19-year-old first year college student, who was allegedly responsible for the bomb threat at Cebu Technological University - Main Campus last Monday, October 21, 2024.
The student, identified as alias “Thea,” currently enrolled under Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, was arrested by operatives of the NBI in her residence in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Last Monday, Thea used an account named “John Steve” and posted on Facebook at 7:50 a.m. about a supposed bomb planted in the state university.
“Hello Technologists! BOMB SUCCESSFULLY PLANTED. SAY GOODBYE, CTU MAIN! YOU HAVE APPROXIMATELY, 5 HOURS NALANG I HOPE THIS WILL BE A SUCCESS,” the post read.
With that, even on midterm exams, CTU administration was forced to cancel their classes and do virtual classes.
NBI-CEVRO regional director Rennan Augustus Oliva said that in coordination with NBI Cybercrime Division in Manila and NBI-CEBDO, their investigation to unmask the perpetrator was successful through hot pursuit operation.
“Through investigation na determine namo nga John Steve and Thea are one of the same person,” said Oliva.
Oliva disclosed that they were able to connect Thea to the Facebook account John Steve through one mobile number.
“Nakipag coordinate po kami sa service providers kung saan isa po dito ang may-ari ng platform is Facebook,” said an operative from NBI Manila.
That certain number that was registered also corresponds to the real Facebook, Telegram, and Gcash account under the real name of Thea.
Operatives also visited the CTU main campus to gather more information and based on their record, it showed the same number used in registering the Facebook account of John Steve.
During the arrest, the operatives called the number, which then the phone on Thea's possession rang.
“Pina ring ang telepono ng subject, at nag ring in her possession her cellphone,” said Oliva.
Thea has been charged with violating Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, in connection with Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Although she posted a P30,000 bail, she faces a possible sentence of up to six years in prison if convicted.
The Dean of Student Affairs and Services of CTU-Main Campus, Atty. Marvey Ocampo, disclosed that from their conversations, Thea denied the intention to do the bomb joke and said she was just coerced by someone.
“Ang nagsugo niya dili siya kaybaw sa complete name nya she just knew the person through social media,” Ocampo said.
Ocampo further said that Thea has been diligent in her studies and had no prior disciplinary record.
“Knowing now that it is a student of our very own campus, we also felt in a way na we don't want this to happen again,” she added.
While the student is expected to face charges for cybercrime, CTU’s Student Discipline Committee will also conduct a thorough investigation.
Under the university’s student handbook, cybercrime violations can lead to penalties, including suspension or expulsion.
Also, CTU plans to reinforce its information campaign on responsible social media use, with an emphasis on cybercrime consequences and enhanced orientations on student conduct and violations.
“We will strengthen the information campaign because our students are very into social media… The orientation for student violations will be strengthened at the start of each semester,” said Ocampo.
Cause and Effect
According to psychologist, Dr. Sherryl Diaz Muli, there are several factors why individuals in Thea’s age group act poorly.
While she did not assess Thea directly, Dr. Muli told the Freeman that several factors could be at play based on her age, like peer pressure, as well as lack of experience in making well-considered decisions that can lead individuals to make impulsive choices they may later regret.
She added that immaturity and poor judgment may also play a factor, particularly as young adults’ frontal lobes which are responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and rational thoughts are still in the process of maturing.
“If you look at her developmental milestone, people at this age do not have a fully matured frontal lobe, frontal lobe is the one in charge of impulsivity, decision making, rational thinking and the like, dili pa siya fully developed thats why pwede sila maka make this kind of prank,” said Dr. Muli.
Apart from developmental factors, thrill-seeking behavior may also be a motivation. For instance, some individuals are drawn to the excitement of breaking rules or getting away with risky behavior.
Dr. Muli clarified that her observations are based on general patterns seen in young adults, and each case requires its own assessment to ensure appropriate interventions.
Now that Thea’s identity has been revealed, Dr. Muli said that Thea is prone to harsh criticism, public shaming, and online bashing which could severely damage her self-esteem, possibly leading to isolation or even self-harm.
“To the media users, while it is valid to be frustrated toward someone who did a serious prank, bashing, public shaming will do more harm than good. She is already facing the legal consequences of her actions, adding more negativity can impede her cultivation of learning from her mistake,” she added. - ATO (CEBU NEWS)