Tacloban school threat declared false alarm by police

TACLOBAN CITY — Police have dismissed a reported online threat against a Grade 6 pupil of the Sto. Niño Special Education (SPED) Center here as a false alarm, the latest in a series of incidents that have heightened security concerns in schools across the city following a deadly campus shooting last month. The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) said the alleged threat was reported on Wednesday afternoon after a teacher informed authorities that a threatening message had been sent by Facebook Messenger to a Grade 6 student from an account using the name “William Velasco.” Police immediately coordinated with the school’s teachers and principal to verify the report and gather evidence. After conducting an investigation, the TCPO said it found no actual external threat against the student, the school, or its personnel. The incident came a day after an online threat targeting Leyte National High School, also in Tacloban City, prompted heightened security measures and alarm among students and parents. But authorities said face-to-face classes did not need to be suspended. The incidents have occurred less than a month after a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22 that left three students dead and 20 others injured, prompting authorities to intensify security measures and closely monitor threats directed at schools. The TCPO urged parents to closely supervise their children’s online activities and provide guidance on the responsible use of social media. Police also warned that making false reports or issuing threats, even through social media, is a serious offense that can disrupt public order and may result in legal liability./coa