CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An alleged mass shooting threat targeting Lapasan National High School has prompted Barangay Lapasan officials to recommend the immediate suspension of face-to-face classes, underscoring growing concerns over the increasing number of similar threats reported in schools across the Philippines and renewing calls for stronger preventive measures from the Department of Education (DepEd) and law enforcement agencies.
Barangay Lapasan Punong Barangay Julito D. Ogsimer formally recommended the preventive suspension of classes on Monday, August 3, as a precautionary measure following the circulation of social media posts alleging a possible mass shooting involving the school.
Although authorities have yet to verify the authenticity and credibility of the online threats, barangay officials stressed that protecting the lives of students, teachers, and school personnel should take precedence while investigations are underway.
In an official memorandum addressed to Lapasan National High School Principal Ferdinand Vinco, Ogsimer urged the immediate suspension of face-to-face classes pending a full security assessment by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies.
“The safety of learners and school personnel must remain the highest priority,” the memorandum stated, emphasizing that preventive measures are necessary until authorities can declare the situation safe.
The barangay chief also directed the filing of a formal request with Police Station 3 for the immediate investigation into the source, authenticity, and intent of the alleged threat, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible should violations of the law be established.
Recommendation Based on Existing Laws
The recommendation cited several legal bases supporting the proposed class suspension, including:
- Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code, which authorizes local government units to safeguard the health, safety, peace, and general welfare of their constituents;
- Section 389 of the same law, which tasks barangay officials with maintaining public order;
- Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution recognizing the State’s duty to protect the youth; and
- Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, which mandates the protection of children from violence and threats to their safety.
Ogsimer likewise assured the school’s administration and concerned government agencies of the barangay’s full cooperation in maintaining peace and order throughout the investigation.
Public Urged to Remain Calm
Barangay officials appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media, noting that misinformation could unnecessarily heighten public fear and complicate ongoing investigations.
Residents were instead encouraged to report any credible information that could assist authorities in determining the origin and legitimacy of the alleged threat.
As of this writing, authorities have not released any confirmation that the alleged threat is credible, nor have they announced any arrests related to the incident.
Growing Pattern Raises National Alarm
The incident comes amid a noticeable rise in reports of alleged school violence threats, including purported mass shooting plots circulated through social media in various parts of the country.
While many of these incidents have later been determined to be hoaxes, education and security experts have repeatedly warned that every reported threat must be treated seriously due to the potentially catastrophic consequences should even one prove to be genuine.
The recurring nature of these threats has also raised questions about whether existing preventive measures are sufficient to address emerging security risks facing educational institutions.
Parents and educators have increasingly called for enhanced school security protocols, stronger monitoring of online threats, expanded mental health interventions, and closer coordination among schools, local governments, the PNP, and cybersecurity units.
The situation has likewise renewed discussions on the need for a more comprehensive national strategy from the Department of Education to respond to school-related threats, including standardized threat assessment procedures, crisis communication protocols, emergency preparedness drills, and strengthened partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
Authorities Continue Investigation
For now, the reported threat against Lapasan National High School remains under investigation.
Officials emphasized that until investigators establish the facts surrounding the social media posts, the incident should not be treated as confirmed. At the same time, they stressed that exercising caution through preventive measures is a responsible approach when the safety of hundreds of students and school personnel may be at stake.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether criminal charges will be filed against individuals found responsible for originating or spreading the alleged threat. Meanwhile, local officials reiterated that the protection of learners remains the foremost priority as authorities work to ensure that the school environment remains safe and secure.