ILOILO City – Jaro National High School (JNHS) went on heightened security Monday, locking one of its gates, tightening campus access and deploying additional police as cybercrime investigators raced to trace the source of a viral online threat warning of a possible school shooting.
Despite the alarm among students and parents, authorities said the threat remained unverified, while classes proceeded under intensified security measures.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-6 (RACU-6) launched a joint investigation after the threatening message and screenshots spread through Facebook, Messenger and class group chats Sunday evening, said ICPO chief, Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla said Monday.
School Principal IV Melanie J. Tabaculde said the message was initially received by a student through Messenger on Sunday before being shared with classmates, teachers and parents.
The school’s back gate was locked as part of the heightened security measures, channeling students and other people through the heavily guarded front entrance.
Police officers were deployed to augment school security during morning and afternoon shifts, while teachers, administrative employees and security personnel were placed on heightened alert to monitor the campus.
Tabaculde assured parents that authorities had found no immediate indication of an actual attack and that the campus remained secured.
Regular morning classes continued Monday.
“Gasalig ako nga ara ang aton police para sa investigation kag ga-cooperate man kita para ma solbar ini, nga indi na ma sundan pa kay damo learning losses aton mga kabataan,” Tabaculde said.
Parents who remained worried about their children’s safety were allowed to keep them home.
“Na-intindihan ko gid ang ila balatyagon... That was why last night naghatag ko instructions sa mga teachers. Kon may parent mag-decide nga indi pagpaeskwelahon ang ila bata, okay gid,” Tabaculde explained.
Classes were suspended beginning at 1 p.m. Monday in observance of “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day for the 34th National Family Week.
Parilla, meanwhile, warned against indiscriminately sharing unverified information while investigators were establishing the origin of the threat.
“Let us refrain from spreading unverified posts, screenshots, or speculations that may cause unnecessary fear, panic, and confusion,” he said./PN
