BACOLOD City— The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched an investigation into alleged online threats involving students in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, with authorities conducting a digital forensic examination of a mobile phone believed to be linked to the incident.
In a statement issued Monday, June 29, PRO-NIR said the Escalante Component City Police Station immediately coordinated with school officials, parents, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) upon receiving reports of the alleged threats to ensure the safety and security of students.
Police said preventive measures were immediately put in place while the investigation is ongoing, stressing that protecting learners is a shared responsibility among law enforcement agencies, schools, parents, and the community.
As part of the investigation, the parents of the child allegedly involved voluntarily signed a written waiver authorizing investigators to examine their child’s mobile phone.
Authorities said the digital forensic examination will identify individuals involved in the chat group and determine the nature, credibility, and extent of the alleged threats, as well as establish whether other persons were connected to the incident.
The move, police said, is a preventive measure aimed at averting any possible untoward incident before it occurs.
PRO-NIR assured the public that it remains vigilant in addressing threats that could compromise the safety of schools.
“There is no room for complacency when it comes to threats affecting our schools,” the regional police office said.
The regional police office has also directed all police stations across the Negros Island Region to strengthen coordination with educational institutions and local government units to ensure that schools remain safe and secure learning environments.
Meanwhile, the Escalante City chief of police clarified that there is no official suspension of classes in the city. However, parents have been given the discretion to decide whether to send their children to school or fetch them if they have safety concerns.
PRO-NIR also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and encourage responsible digital behavior.
Police emphasized that parental guidance and open communication remain among the most effective ways to prevent cyberbullying, online threats, and other harmful activities in digital spaces.
The regional police office likewise encouraged the public to immediately report any information related to threats against schools or students, saying that early reporting enables authorities to take prompt and appropriate action to protect lives and maintain public safety./PN
