School Threats Surface in Batangas, Negros; Security Measures Heightened

MANILA, Philippines — At least two schools in Batangas and Negros Occidental provinces tightened security measures and suspended classes after separate shooting threats surfaced online, reflecting heightened concern following the deadly Tacloban City school attack on June 22. Batangas City Integrated High School (BCIHS) suspended classes and on-site activities on Monday to allow authorities to assess reported threats against students. The school will resume regular classes on Tuesday. “The school administration and the [local government] assure the public that the school is safe,” BCIHS said in an advisory, adding that the decision came after a thorough threat assessment and implementation of precautionary measures. READ: Slain girl’s kin seek raps vs younger suspect in school shooting The school urged students, parents and the public to rely only on official announcements and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear or panic. Police said the incident stemmed from threatening messages posted on the school’s official Facebook page on Sunday night. “The messages contained threats of violence directed at students, causing concern among school authorities and parents,” the Batangas provincial police said. Authorities identified a child in conflict with the law as the person of interest and referred the minor to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for assessment and intervention under juvenile justice protocols. READ: 1 student hit in Tacloban school shooting still in ICU, others recovering Additional police personnel were deployed around the campus while the investigation continues. In Negros Occidental, classes in Escalante National High School shifted to alternative delivery mode on Monday after screenshots of a suspected planned shooting circulated on social media. The decision followed an emergency meeting in Escalante City among the Department of Education, school officials and the police. The Negros Island Region police office said investigators were examining screenshots of a private chat that allegedly discussed plans for classes on Monday and Tuesday. The messages referred to school bag inspections as well as the Tacloban school shooting, and included alarming statements such as “run for your life,” “no one can stop me,” and “they can’t catch me.” A photo appearing to show a handgun was also attached. Police said they have yet to verify the authenticity, authorship and context of the messages. They were also checking if the photo of the firearm was genuine. The parents of the student identified in the posts voluntarily surrendered that minor’s mobile phone, which has been turned over for digital forensic examination. Because the case involves minors, authorities are coordinating with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, school officials and other parents. Although police did not order the suspension of classes, school administrators shifted to remote learning as a precaution and allowed parents to fetch their children early. The Negros regional police directed its units across Negros Island to strengthen school security and urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities. “The most immediate response is to strengthen coordination and provide solutions that will ensure the safety and well-being of our learners,” Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez said, adding that his office is regularly in touch with DepEd, local governments and the police. The incidents come as schools nationwide remain on heightened alert following the Tacloban shooting. The two suspects—aged 15 and 14—had been arrested and turned over to government social workers. The tragedy has cast a shadow over Tacloban’s annual Feast of Señor Sto. Niño, with this year’s celebration shifting its focus from festivity to prayers for healing, justice, and the recovery of survivors. One of the three fatalities, 15-year-old Chris Lorenz Fabian, has been hailed as a hero after he reportedly shielded his classmates when one of the shooters pointed his firearm toward their classroom. Fabian’s funeral coincides with the city’s annual Feast of Señor Sto. Niño on June 30. Church leaders have urged devotees to dedicate this year’s celebration to solidarity with the victims and their families. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas said the 14-year-old suspect in the mass shooting in Tacloban cannot be criminally charged because Philippine law exempts children below 15 years old from criminal liability. Lawyer Jonalyndie Chua, DSWD legal unit chief in the region, said filing charges after the boy turns 15 in August would violate the constitutional prohibition against ex post facto laws. Instead of prosecution, the child will undergo intervention and rehabilitation under the juvenile justice system. Chua said minors are placed in rehabilitation centers, not regular detention facilities, with their stay depending on court orders and rehabilitation progress. She added that while social workers assess whether a minor acted with discernment, the court makes the final determination. Meanwhile, the second of the two suspects, age 15, was charged last week by police with three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of serious physical injuries. /cb