A bomb threat targeting the Silliman University campus in Dumaguete City prompted the institution to activate its full security response on July 6, 2026 — and then, almost simultaneously, to fight a second battle against a forged document spreading rapidly across social media platforms claiming that classes had been suspended and a lockdown was underway.
Security Protocols Engaged After Threat Is Reported
Silliman University (SU) acknowledged in an official advisory that it had received a reported bomb threat directed at its campus. According to Silliman University, the institution immediately activated its safety and security response mechanisms upon receiving the report. Coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and campus security units was launched without delay, the university said.
As of the advisories issued on July 6, Silliman University had not publicly disclosed the specific nature or origin of the threat. The university instructed all members of the SU community — students, faculty, and staff — to remain calm and to follow directives from security personnel and university administrators. SU further pledged that verified updates would be released exclusively through its official communication channels as more information became available.
Forged Document Bears Name of University Administrator
While the security response was still unfolding, a separate and equally urgent problem emerged: a fabricated memorandum had begun circulating on social media, falsely presenting itself as an official university communication. Silliman University said in a separate advisory issued the same day that the document was entirely fake and had not originated from the university.
According to SU’s advisory, the forged memo purported to carry the signature of University Administrator Dr. Arthur Pendleton. The fraudulent document falsely announced the suspension of all classes and campus operations, and included supposed lockdown and evacuation procedures that the university said were never officially ordered or authorized.
“The memorandum purportedly signed by Dr. Arthur Pendleton that is currently circulating on social media is fake and did not originate from the University,” Silliman University stated in its advisory. The institution cautioned that information originating from unofficial sources risks being inaccurate or misleading, and has the potential to generate unnecessary confusion and alarm among students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.
Silliman University was unequivocal: no suspension of classes or campus operations had been officially declared, and no lockdown or evacuation orders had been issued through any of its authorized channels.
University Calls for Responsible Online Behavior
Beyond addressing the immediate threats — both physical and informational — Silliman University used its advisories to issue a broader appeal to the public. The institution urged everyone to exercise discernment and responsibility when encountering and sharing information online, particularly during an active security incident.
Specifically, SU asked individuals to refrain from creating, forwarding, or circulating any unverified or false information connected to the incident. “The University remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and verified information through its official platforms,” the advisory read, reinforcing that all legitimate announcements would be made only through recognized university channels.
Members of the SU community and the general public were asked to monitor official Silliman University platforms for updates and to treat the fake memorandum circulating online as entirely without authority or legitimacy.
Background: One of the Philippines’ Oldest Universities
Silliman University holds a significant place in Philippine higher education. Founded in 1901 in Dumaguete City, it is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country. The university also ranks among the largest in the Central Visayas region, drawing a substantial student population from across the Philippines and from abroad. Its long-established presence means that any security incident involving its campus generates wide public attention well beyond Dumaguete City itself.
By the Numbers
- July 6, 2026 — Date Silliman University confirmed the bomb threat and issued its advisories
- 1901 — Year Silliman University was founded in Dumaguete City
- 1 fake memorandum — Fraudulent document flagged by SU, falsely attributed to University Administrator Dr. Arthur Pendleton
Why This Matters
A bomb threat at one of the country’s oldest universities inevitably generates widespread public anxiety, but the near-simultaneous spread of a forged memorandum — falsely attributing class suspensions and lockdown orders to a named university official — significantly amplified that anxiety with false information. The incident illustrates the compounding danger that misinformation poses during active security events, where fabricated content can provoke panic and potentially obstruct legitimate emergency response efforts. Silliman University’s rapid dual response, confirming the real threat while publicly debunking the counterfeit document, highlights the critical role that clear, authoritative institutional communication plays in managing security crises in the social media age.
Source: Breaking News Negros Oriental (breakingnewsnegrosoriental.com)
