BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental — Panic swept through students and faculty at St. Peter College in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, after an altercation involving students escalated into an alarming security incident when relatives of one of the students allegedly entered the school campus, prompting fears that firearms and bladed weapons had been brought inside the premises.
Videos circulating on social media showed terrified students scrambling for safety as confusion spread across the campus. Several students were reportedly left traumatized by the incident, while some allegedly fainted due to fear and panic.
Initial social media posts claimed that an armed father entered the school and allegedly fired a gun, causing students to flee in terror. Witnesses also alleged that the individual managed to leave the campus before police arrived.
However, local authorities have since urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while an official investigation remains ongoing.
Balingasag Mayor Alexis Quina clarified that there was no confirmation that any student or civilian inside the school possessed firearms or knives during the incident, contrary to claims circulating online.
According to the mayor, the disturbance stemmed from a fistfight between students inside St. Peter College. Following the altercation, one of the students reportedly sought help from his brother and father, who later entered the campus and became involved in another confrontation with the students allegedly involved in the initial fight.
The individuals involved were subsequently brought to the Balingasag Municipal Police Station for proper investigation.
Despite the clarification, the incident triggered widespread fear among students and parents after reports spread that outsiders carrying firearms and bladed weapons had entered the school grounds.
The Balingasag Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the school to secure the campus, ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel, and restore order.
Authorities said investigators are still verifying several aspects of the incident, including allegations that an individual entered the campus carrying a firearm and a knife. Police have yet to release an official statement confirming these claims or identifying the motive behind the confrontation.
Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported during the incident.
The frightening episode has sparked renewed calls from parents and community members for stricter security measures in educational institutions, particularly regarding campus access and emergency response protocols to prevent outsiders from entering school grounds during conflicts involving students.
As police continue their investigation, local officials have appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation and instead await the results of the official inquiry.
School authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incident, although students were reported to be safe following the restoration of order on campus. Counseling and psychosocial support may also be necessary for students who experienced trauma during the disturbance.