en.killbait.com
UP Diliman campus evacuates two buildings following security threat report
Students, faculty, and staff at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City were evacuated from Palma Hall and Malcolm Hall on Thursday afternoon due to an alleged security threat. According to reports from Tinig ng Plaridel, the student publication of UP Diliman's College of Media and Communication, the evacuation was carried out after a threat was posted on social media stating, 'Horror will be unleashed all over Palma and Malcolm. All of you be ready.' The threat prompted immediate action from the Quezon City Police District's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), who arrived at the scene to investigate. Images shared by Tinig ng Plaridel showed police officers in black combat gear speaking with a security guard at Palma Hall, while a DRRMO vehicle was parked nearby as students exited the buildings. The UP Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA) confirmed the presence of these authorities at the campus. Palma Hall, also known as the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), is a major academic hub where various disciplines are taught, while Malcolm Hall houses the UP College of Law. School officials and police conducted thorough inspections of both buildings, but no suspicious or hazardous items were found. The QCPD reported that the investigation was ongoing, and by the time of the report, normal operations had resumed in the affected areas. GMA News Online attempted to contact OVCCA and the QC DRRMO for further details but received no response. The QCPD indicated they would issue a statement later. The incident highlights the campus's proactive approach to security concerns, even when threats turn out to be unsubstantiated. The university community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of prompt response to potential safety issues.