COTABATO CITY – Authorities are investigating a series of alarming threats targeting educational institutions in Cotabato City after separate incidents involving an alleged school shooting and a bomb threat sparked fear among students, parents, and school officials.
One of the incidents involved Dar Al-Uloom Wal-Hikmah Institute, Inc., a madrasah located in Barangay Tamontaka 1, which confirmed Wednesday evening that it had received an online threat warning of an alleged school shooting scheduled to take place on Friday.
In an official statement posted on the school’s verified Facebook page, the administration strongly condemned all forms of violence and threats directed at educational institutions, whether made verbally, physically, or through online platforms.
The school emphasized that regardless of whether the threat was genuine, intended as a prank, or merely created for online content, it has already caused fear and anxiety among students, parents, faculty members, and the wider community.
School officials immediately reported the incident to the police, who have launched an investigation to determine the identity of those responsible and assess the credibility of the threat.
The administration also appealed to the public to rely only on verified information from legitimate sources while the investigation is ongoing and urged everyone to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports or speculation that could further spread panic.
Bomb threat at public high school declared a hoax
In a separate incident, the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) confirmed that an alleged bomb threat targeting J. Marquez National High School in Mother Barangay Poblacion on the evening of July 22 turned out to be a hoax.
Following reports that a bomb had allegedly been planted inside the school campus, personnel from the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit (EOD-K9), Police Station 1, and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 immediately conducted a thorough inspection of the entire school grounds.
Authorities spent nearly three hours searching classrooms, buildings, and surrounding areas but found no explosives or suspicious objects.
According to the initial police investigation, screenshots of messages circulated on social media claiming that an explosion would occur at the school at around 9:00 a.m. The screenshots also contained the names of several individuals, who are now being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police believe the messages were likely intended to intimidate or cause public panic rather than carry out an actual attack.
Investigators are also examining whether the bomb threat is connected to similar threats reportedly circulated in neighboring municipalities and provinces.
The CCPO has coordinated with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit to trace the individuals responsible for creating and spreading the threatening messages online. Authorities said appropriate criminal charges will be filed against those found responsible.
Authorities urge public to remain vigilant
The twin incidents have prompted heightened security concerns in Cotabato City’s schools as law enforcement agencies continue to verify the origins of the threats and prevent unnecessary panic.
Police reiterated that while both incidents are under active investigation, the public should remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and immediately report any suspicious activities or threatening messages to the nearest police station.
Authorities also reminded the public that making false threats against schools—whether involving shootings or bombings—is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe legal consequences, especially when such acts disrupt public safety and create widespread fear within communities.