BACOLOD CITY – The Escalante City Police Station in Negros Occidental has appealed to the public to stop bullying, harassing, or sharing unverified information about a 14-year-old student being investigated over an alleged school shooting.
The case surfaced through a now-viral social media post by a woman who said she discovered the alleged conversation on her nephew's device.
Police emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and reminded the public that, as a minor, the child is entitled to protection, dignity, and due process under the law.
Authorities warned that online shaming, speculation, and the sharing of the student's identity or personal information could harm the child's well-being and compromise the investigation.
They urged the public to use social media responsibly by avoiding the spread of misinformation and allowing investigators to complete their work without interference.
Police said they are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation in coordination with school officials, the student's parents, the local government, and other concerned agencies.
The Escalante National High School (ENHS) called on the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing or reacting to unverified information.
The school assured parents and stakeholders that the situation has been stabilized while the investigation continues and stressed that the safety of students and personnel remains top priority.
Meanwhile, Police Lt. Col. Florendo Fajardo, Escalante police chief, said the woman who posted the alleged online conversation has deactivated her social media account.
Despite this, authorities remain confident they can identify the other individual involved after subjecting the student's cellphone to digital forensic examination.
Although the alleged online threat did not specifically identify ENHS as its target, the viral post caused concern among parents, many of who picked up their children from school on Monday.
EHNS resumed face-to-face classes on Thursday, July 2.
The school assured that they continue to work closely with concerned agencies to ensure the safety and security of all learners and personnel. Appropriate precautionary measures have been put in place as classes resume, EHNS added
The school encouraged all parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to monitor the activities of their children in school and online.
They urged people to report any information or suspicious activities that may affect the safety and well-being of the school community, stressing that the safety, security, and welfare of their learners and personnel remain their highest priority.