DepEd, police probe new shooting threat targeting Tacloban school
POLICE securing the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. (FB)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) is conducting a deeper investigation into new shooting threats against San Jose National High School here that circulated online, just three weeks after the deadly campus shooting.
DepEd Tacloban Schools Division information officer Nilo Eder said in a phone interview on Wednesday that the agency is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to trace the source of the online threat targeting the school.
"We are taking this threat seriously because it is a setback to our efforts to help students and school personnel recover from the June 22 tragedy," Eder said.
Eder said the Tacloban City Police Office has launched an investigation to determine the source, authenticity, and circumstances surrounding the online messages that circulated early on July 14.
The threatening message was reportedly sent through Facebook Messenger by an individual claiming to be a friend of "Nash," one of the two students involved in the June 22 shooting incident.
The message alleged that 10 individuals would enter the school on July 14 and carry out a shooting, specifically targeting Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. It also mentioned the names of several individuals.
"The identity of the individual or individuals responsible, as well as the veracity of the information being circulated, has not yet been established. We appeal to the public to refrain from speculation, avoid sharing unverified information, and not identify any person who has not been officially confirmed by authorities," Eder said.
The online threat prompted DepEd to shift San Jose National High School to blended learning on Tuesday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
"Face-to-face classes resumed today (July 15), but with heightened security measures. Police officers have been deployed inside the campus in addition to the school's three security personnel," Eder told the Philippine News Agency.
School officials reminded parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity or threatening communication to school authorities or law enforcement agencies.
San Jose National High School was closed for two weeks after the June 22 shooting that claimed the lives of three students and injured 20 others. Face-to-face classes resumed on July 6. (PNA)