Bomb threats called-in to two Dededo schools

by Krystal Paco

Guam - Two bomb threats were called to two Dededo elementary schools today, frustrating parents who are concerned for their children's safety. Students at Maria Ulloa and Wettengel Elementary were evacuated this morning after two separate bomb threats were called into the Dededo campuses just before 10 this morning.

Guam Fire Department spokesperson Lt. Ed Artero says K-9 units cleared the schools shortly after 11am. Dededo resident Melkha Maranca has a 4th and 2nd grader attending Maria Ulloa. Once she heard the news, she left work to pick up her kids only to be refused to do so until the all-clear was given. "This is really frustrating for the parents and for the residents of Guam that this is going on here on our island," she said. "So I don't know what's going on, I just hope the government will do something about this because this is a small island and to have this every week it's not going to be safe no more."

It was last week two bomb threats were called to Wettengel Elementary and Okkodo High School. Dededo mayor Melissa Savares says it may appear her village is a target only because there are so many schools in the area. Savares asks that parents remain calm, as students are always safe and accounted for during evacuations. Like Maranca, Savares hopes to put an end to threats called into schools, saying, "We just need to get to the bottom of this and find a way to find out who's calling. Caller ID is so evident in most phones now 0946 I don't know why we can't track this down," she said.

As we reported last week, GFD's system is outdated and its tracking are capabilities limited, especially with calls made from cell phones. GFD is currently drafting a request for proposal to purchase a new system through funding available from the 911 surcharge but it's unknown if it will be enough.