GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities in General Santos City have launched an investigation after an anonymous online post threatened a mass shooting at GSC SPED Integrated School, becoming the latest in a growing series of threats targeting educational institutions across the country.
The threat, which circulated on social media on Thursday, July 30, specifically targeted students enrolled in the school’s Special Program in the Arts, as well as teachers whom the unidentified individual accused of unfairly failing them. The post also claimed affiliation with a group identified only as “TCC” and warned students and teachers not to report to school on Monday, threatening violence against anyone present.
Among the alarming statements in the post were declarations that all targeted students had already been “listed,” that multiple individuals were allegedly involved, and that classrooms would be entered regardless of who attempted to intervene. The message ended with chilling remarks implying that the perpetrators were already watching members of the school community.
The threatening post quickly spread online, raising concern among students, parents, teachers, and local residents, especially as it follows recent incidents of similar threats made against schools in other parts of the Philippines.
School Condemns Threat, Coordinates with Authorities
In response, the Supreme Secondary Learners’ Government (SSLG) of GSC SPED Integrated School issued an official statement assuring the public that the school administration immediately acted upon learning of the online threat.
The SSLG emphasized that the school strongly condemns all forms of cybercrime, online intimidation, and threats that endanger the safety of students, faculty, and personnel.
“The safety of every Spedian remains our highest priority,” the student organization stated, adding that no threat, regardless of whether it was intended as a prank or a genuine act of violence, would be taken lightly.
School officials confirmed that they are working closely with the school administration, the Guidance Office, Department of Education officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the PNP Anti-Cybercrime unit, and barangay authorities to strengthen campus security while authorities continue to investigate the source of the post.
The SSLG also appealed to students, parents, and the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official announcements issued through the school’s authorized communication channels.
Police: Every Threat Will Be Investigated
Police Regional Office 12 likewise responded by reiterating that every threat made against schools is treated as a serious matter, regardless of whether it later proves to be a hoax.
Authorities urged the public to immediately report suspicious online posts or threats to the nearest police station or school officials instead of sharing them on social media.
The PNP advised the public to preserve evidence by taking screenshots before reporting the posts and reminded social media users to exercise responsibility when posting content online.
PBGEN Alan B. Manibog, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, emphasized the importance of public vigilance.
“The safety of our students and teachers is everyone’s responsibility. Be vigilant, be responsible, and immediately report any threat,” Manibog said.
Pattern Raises Concern Nationwide
The latest incident comes amid increasing concern over the apparent rise in online threats directed at schools following the widely publicized campus threat in Tacloban City, where authorities likewise mobilized police forces and heightened security measures after violent messages circulated on social media.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have since intensified monitoring of online platforms, warning that individuals responsible for posting threats may face criminal liability under Philippine laws, including provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and other applicable statutes, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the offense.
Security experts note that even when such posts are intended as jokes or attempts to create panic, they often trigger extensive police investigations, disrupt school operations, create psychological distress among students and teachers, and divert law enforcement resources from other public safety responsibilities.
Authorities Appeal for Public Cooperation
As investigations continue, both school officials and the PNP are urging parents to remain calm while maintaining open communication with their children regarding school safety.
Authorities also reminded the public that responsible use of social media plays a critical role in preventing panic, emphasizing that online threats should never be ignored, shared indiscriminately, or treated as harmless pranks.
With schools expected to continue implementing enhanced security protocols, officials stressed that swift reporting, community cooperation, and coordinated action between educational institutions and law enforcement remain essential in ensuring that learning environments remain safe for all students and educators.