Gun-attack threat disrupts classes at Cebu City school

Local

A REPORTED school shooting threat posted on social media triggered a massive security response at Cebu Eastern College (CEC) in Cebu City on Thursday, July 2.

However, authorities found no indication of an actual attack after clearing the campus and launching an investigation to identify the person behind the online post.

The incident unfolded just days after a deadly school shooting in Tacloban City heightened concerns over campus security nationwide, prompting authorities to treat the online threat with urgency despite finding no suspicious items or immediate danger inside the private school.

Personnel from Carbon Police Station 5, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TRU), the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), barangay officials, and school administrators immediately secured the campus after receiving reports of the threat.

Authorities conducted a thorough security inspection and threat assessment before allowing classes to resume after finding no evidence of an imminent attack.

Initial reports described the incident as a bomb threat.

However, the CCDRRMO later clarified that verification showed the case actually involved a shooting threat made through a Facebook post directed at Cebu Eastern College.

According to the agency's incident report, authorities received information about the supposed threat at around 10 a.m.

Responding units immediately coordinated with school officials, secured the campus, and implemented security protocols while investigators assessed the credibility of the online post.

Photos taken outside the school showed students leaving the campus as authorities carried out security operations.

Investigators have since begun tracing the origin of the social media post and determining whether the threat carried any credibility.

Lt. Col. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the CCPO, said investigators are working to identify and locate the individual responsible for the online threat.

Oriol also warned that authorities would not hesitate to file criminal charges against those found responsible for making or spreading threats intended to cause public alarm.

Police likewise cautioned the public against exploiting the incident by creating or sharing similar posts, stressing that online threats constitute serious offenses under Philippine law.

In an official statement, Cebu Eastern College assured parents, students, employees, and other stakeholders that everyone inside the campus remained safe.

"The Administration of Cebu Eastern College, in close coordination with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, is actively addressing the security threat reported earlier today," the school said.

It added that the matter remains under investigation while the institution continues strengthening its security measures to protect the campus community.

"The Administration wishes to assure the families of our students, employees, and all stakeholders that everyone within the institution is safe and secure. The safety and security of our community remain our highest priority," the statement read.

The school also thanked the responding police units, emergency responders, barangay officials, and other agencies for their swift response.

CEC urged the public to rely only on official announcements as authorities continue their investigation.

Mayor Nestor Archival also appealed for calm after authorities confirmed that the reported incident involved a shooting threat rather than a bomb threat.

"Mga Sugboanon, ang kaluwasan sa atong mga estudyante, teachers, ug school personnel mao ang atong labing unang prayoridad," Archival said.

He said authorities immediately verified the initial report and activated security measures once they confirmed the nature of the incident.

"Atong hangyoon ang tanan nga magpabiling kalmado, likayan ang pagpakaylap og unverified information, ug mosalig lamang sa official advisories gikan sa atong mga awtoridad. Padayon kitang magtinabangay aron mapreserbar ang kaluwasan sa atong komunidad," the mayor said.

The incident comes amid heightened public anxiety following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City that left several people dead and many others injured, prompting schools and local governments across the country to review campus security measures.

Police reiterated that making threats, whether in person or through social media, carries criminal liability.

Authorities also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and instead report suspicious activities directly to law enforcement.(TGP)