No Threats to Parañaque, Pateros Schools: SPD

MANILA, Philippines — The Southern Police District (SPD) said there were no active threats to some schools in Parañaque City and Pateros. “Following the circulation of alleged school shooting threats on social media, SPD units immediately conducted security inspections, site verifications, and intensified police presence at schools in Parañaque City,” it noted in a statement on Tuesday. “Initial assessments yielded negative results for any active threat or credible evidence, while intelligence operatives continue to identify and trace those responsible for the online posts,” it maintained. Likewise, the SPD also said an alleged bomb threat targeted another school in Pateros, prompting the deployment of police personnel, including those from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. “No explosives or any indication of an actual threat were found,” it explained. Classes were suspended at the Pateros National High School and the nearby Pateros Elementary School last Monday following the purported bomb threat. READ: DepEd pilots ‘active shooter’ drill in Manila campus The threats both in Parañaque and Pateros follow a series of security concerns at educational institutions across the country in the wake of the fatal Tacloban City school shooting, in which three students were killed, and 20 others were injured. “Thorough investigation, intelligence validation, and security operations are underway to determine the authenticity of these threats and ensure the safety of students, teachers, school personnel, and the public,” the SPD stressed. “Appropriate criminal charges will be filed against all those responsible,” it added. It also urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information amid the circulating alleged threats. /cb