BACOLOD City – The local government here is coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) following a social media post that allegedly threatened a mass shooting at a private school in the city.
The incident prompted heightened security measures and swift coordination between the city government and law enforcement authorities.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that local authorities immediately responded after the threat surfaced online.
“The City Government has been alerted to a social media post alleging a mass shooting threat against a private school in Bacolod City. Acting promptly, authorities secured the area, while the school prudently shifted to online classes to protect its students and personnel,” Gasataya said.
The mayor added that he is in direct coordination with Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia to ensure the safety of students and school staff.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel and additional police units were deployed around the campus as part of precautionary measures to maintain order and ensure public safety.
Authorities also inspected the school’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, which were confirmed to be fully operational and are now being used to assist in the investigation.
The case has been referred to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, which is currently tracing the source of the online threat.
Meanwhile, Police Maj. Eugene Tolentino, station commander of Police Station 2, said investigators have identified possible leads regarding the origin of the post but are still verifying the information and tracking the social media account involved.
Initial findings suggest that the individual behind the post may have intended to disrupt face-to-face classes and push for a shift to online learning. However, school authorities later determined that the circulating threat lacked credibility.
After reviewing the situation and coordinating with police, the school resumed regular face-to-face classes on Friday, March 13.
Gasataya emphasized that authorities will take threats of violence seriously and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
“Anyone responsible for issuing or spreading threats that sow fear and endanger our people will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the mayor said.
He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information online as authorities continue their investigation.
“The safety of our students, educators, and families in Bacolod City is absolute,” Gasataya added, urging the public to remain vigilant and responsible in sharing information while the investigation is ongoing./PN
