Pateros Extends Class Suspension Due to Bomb Threats

Map of Pateros (INQUIRER.net files) LUCENA CITY — The local government of Pateros on Monday night (July 20) announced the suspension of classes in all public and private schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12 on Tuesday (July 21), following alleged bomb threats that spread online. “In light of the bomb threats circulating on social media and as a precautionary measure, following today’s coordination meeting, classes in all public and private schools in Pateros, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, are suspended tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21,” the local government said. The public advisory was posted on its Facebook page at around 6:40 p.m. The local government said the decision aims to ensure the safety and security of students, teachers and school personnel while authorities assess and verify the reported security threats. It added that the suspension was supported by the School Parents-Teachers Association (SPTA) officers, the Philippine National Police (PNP), school heads, and the Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) following a thorough assessment of the situation. In place of face-to-face classes, all public and private schools will implement the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) of learning in accordance with Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines to ensure the continuity of instruction. “The safety of every resident of Pateros remains our highest priority,” the advisory said. Earlier on Monday, classes at Pateros National High School and the adjacent Pateros Elementary School were suspended after authorities received a reported bomb threat targeting the its main campus. The local government urged residents to remain calm, follow official advisories issued by the appropriate authorities, and refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing. /apl