DepEd Thwarts Four Online School Threats Nationwide

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said police have thwarted four threats targeting campuses across the country as authorities step up security amid a rise in school-related violence. “Thank you to the PNP (Philippine National Police) and our security sector for their swift action in identifying and holding accountable those responsible for spreading online threats against our schools,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in Filipino in a news release. “This is also in line with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to ensure the safety and protection of our learners and teachers in every part of the country, “he added. Data from the agency showed that seven 15-year-old learners in Magalang, Pampanga, were brought by the police to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor for inquest proceedings over a social media post threatening to harm learners of Tinajero National High School Annex. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old suspect in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, was arrested in a joint police operation for circulating online bomb threats against multiple public and private schools in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. In a separate operation, another 18-year-old learner was arrested for posting a hoax threat at San Felipe Integrated School in Nueva Ecija. Authorities have also seized 16 digital devices in a search, seizure, and examination warrant against a woman in Barangay Paradahan I in Tanza, Cavite, after being linked to an online threat aimed at a local school. “We must not allow the education of our youth to be disrupted by false jokes or threats,” Mr. Angara said. “We need the help of every parent, teacher, and the entire community to guide and protect our learners.” Bomb threats and bomb jokes are classified as third-level offenses under DepEd’s Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE). A first offense of such threats may lead to non-readmission and referral to appropriate government agencies, and a second infraction may result in exclusion, referral to the proper authorities, and necessary interventions. Dissemination of false reports or fake news that confuses learners and school personnel is also classified as a first-level offense and is subject to written reprimand, official parent conferences, or administrative measures. Apart from policies, DepEd has strengthened its Active Human-induced Threats protocol to ensure school readiness and response during emergencies. Authorities have reported at least 15 major school incidents nationwide between June 16 and July 6. In Central Luzon alone, police recorded 47 bomb threats since May 1. — Almira Louise S. Martinez