GENERAL SANTOS CITY — An online threat that circulated on social media and reportedly targeted the General Santos City National High School has prompted an immediate response from police and cybercrime authorities, with a minor believed to be behind the post now in the custody of authorities.
The General Santos City Police Office said Police Station 10 immediately initiated an investigation after the threatening post surfaced online, while the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU 12) worked to trace the social media account from which the post originated. Through their investigation, RACU 12 identified the Facebook account believed to have been used to publish the threat.
Authorities subsequently took into custody the person believed to be responsible for the post. Police emphasized that the individual is a minor and that the appropriate procedures are being undertaken in accordance with laws governing children in conflict with the law, with due consideration for the child’s welfare and protection.
The minor’s age, however, does not automatically mean that no legal process may follow. Authorities will determine the circumstances surrounding the post, including the child’s level of understanding of the alleged act and its possible consequences, before the appropriate legal and protective measures are taken.
Police stressed that online threats should never be dismissed as jokes, pranks, or harmless posts. Even when made through a fake, anonymous, or otherwise unidentified account, a threat can trigger fear and anxiety among students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the wider community.
The incident also highlights the ability of law enforcement authorities to investigate online activity and identify individuals allegedly responsible for threatening content. Police reminded the public, particularly young people, that hiding behind an anonymous account does not necessarily prevent authorities from tracing the source of a post through proper investigative and cybercrime procedures.
School Division Urges Calm, Vigilance
The Schools Division Office of General Santos City (SDO GenSan) separately acknowledged reports concerning threats circulating online and allegedly targeting learners and personnel of a school within the division.
In an official advisory, the SDO GenSan said it is coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police, concerned government agencies, and other partner stakeholders to assess the situation and ensure the safety and security of learners, personnel, and school communities.
The division noted that it had encountered a similar situation in the past, which was successfully addressed through the prompt coordination and cooperation of law enforcement agencies, government offices, school officials, and other stakeholders.
The SDO GenSan urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and responsible while authorities assess the current situation. It specifically appealed to students, parents, teachers, and members of the public to refrain from sharing or reposting unverified information, screenshots, or messages that could create unnecessary fear or confusion.
Instead, individuals who encounter suspicious activity or possess information relevant to the threat were urged to report it immediately to proper authorities or school officials so that the information can be verified and appropriate action taken.
The division assured the school community that the welfare and safety of learners and personnel remain its highest priority and that appropriate measures are being undertaken in coordination with authorities.
The police response and the school division’s advisory underscore a common message: online threats are not harmless jokes. A single post can cause widespread alarm, disrupt school operations, and place an entire community on heightened alert.
Authorities therefore urged everyone—especially young people—to exercise responsibility when using social media and to understand that words posted online can carry real-world consequences.
The PNP said it will continue working to protect schools, students, teachers, and communities while authorities proceed with the appropriate investigation and legal processes surrounding the incident.