Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
CEBU CITY — Authorities tightened security at Inayawan National High School, after another shooting threat marked the third consecutive day of security scares in Cebu City, prompting officials to strengthen coordination while investigators verify the credibility of the Facebook post.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) convened a coordination meeting with Barangay Inayawan officials and school administrators on Sunday, July 5, to assess the reported threat and reinforce security measures around the campus.
Acting CCPO director Col. Ricky Sumalde led the meeting with Barangay Captain Kirk Bryan Jaca Repollo, the principal of Inayawan National High School, CCPO Force Commander Lt. Col. Christian Joy Alqueza, and Police Station 7 officer-in-charge Capt. Jhon Troy Lalamunan.
According to the CCPO, the discussion centered on evaluating the credibility of the reported Facebook threat, enhancing coordination among the police, barangay and school officials, and implementing proactive security measures to protect students, teachers, school personnel, and the surrounding community.
As part of the agreed measures, authorities will increase police presence, improve information sharing, and maintain close coordination among the relevant agencies to promptly address any potential security concerns.
The heightened security came after Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head and Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed on Saturday that another online shooting threat targeting Inayawan National High School had been reported to authorities.
According to Tumulak, a teacher forwarded a screenshot of a social media message threatening to shoot teachers and school officials inside the campus.
The post reportedly contained explicit language and specifically mentioned teachers handling certain grade levels as well as the school principal.
The incident was reported to a police station, where it was entered into the police blotter for investigation.
Authorities continue to validate the authenticity of the threat and have urged the public not to spread unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The latest report came a day after authorities conducted hours-long search and clearing operations at Ayala Malls Central Bloc in Cebu IT Park following a bomb threat that was later declared a hoax.
It also followed a shooting threat reported at Cebu Eastern College on Thursday, making it the third straight day of security-related incidents in the city.
Tumulak earlier urged residents to report bomb or shooting threats directly to authorities instead of posting them on social media, saying every report must be treated as legitimate until proven otherwise.
"If the threat is real, don't post it on social media first," Tumulak said. "Report it immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency, government office, or anyone who can directly relay the information to the police."
He also warned that those responsible for posting bomb or shooting threats online could face criminal charges once identified, stressing that such incidents unnecessarily consume government resources, disrupt emergency operations, and create fear among the public.
Mayor Nestor Archival likewise appealed for calm as authorities continue investigating the recent threats.
"Atong gihangyo ang publiko nga magpabiling kalmado, likayan ang pagpakaylap og dili beripikadong impormasyon, ug sundon ang mga advisories gikan sa atong mga otoridad (We urge the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and follow the advisories issued by our authorities),” said Archival.