• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Police authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged online shooting threat involving students in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, prompting concerned parents to fetch their children from school despite the absence of an official class suspension on Monday, June 26.
The alleged threat emerged after screenshots of an online conversation circulated on social media.
According to the post shared by Jhia Cecilia, an individual identified only by the alias “Jacob” discussed plans with her nephew to carry out a shooting inside a school.
Initial police investigation indicated that “Jacob” and Cecilia’s nephew became acquainted through the online gaming platform Roblox.
Concerned over the messages, Cecilia posted screenshots of the conversation online, which eventually reached the authorities.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) assured the public that authorities acted immediately after reports surfaced of an alleged online threat targeting students of Escalante National High School.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of PRO-NIR, said the parents of the child believed to be responsible for the alleged online threats voluntarily signed a written waiver allowing police investigators to examine their child’s mobile phone.
Malong said the digital forensic examination aims to identify individuals involved in the online chat group and determine the extent of any potential threat.
She emphasized that the move was intended to prevent any untoward incident before it could occur.
PLt. Col. Florendo Fajardo, Escalante City police chief, clarified that there was no official suspension of classes.
However, school authorities allowed parents to fetch their children if they chose to do so, he added.
Despite heightened public concern, Fajardo assured residents that schools remain secure while investigators continue to identify all individuals involved.
The incident has heightened concerns over school safety in Negros Occidental, following recent violent incidents, including the stabbing of a student by another student outside a school in San Carlos City.
Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez called for stronger and more comprehensive measures to protect students, saying recent incidents have created fear among families across the province.
Benitez advocated stronger online monitoring to protect children from predators, improved reporting and response systems, stricter firearm security, additional guidance counselors and mental health services, and enhanced campus security measures such as controlled entry points, metal detectors, bag scanners, and rapid response protocols.
While some sectors have proposed banning violent video games, the Negrense lawmaker said such a measure alone would not address the root causes of violence.
For its part, the PRO-NIR has directed all police stations across the Negros Island Region to strengthen coordination with schools and local government units to maintain safe learning environments.
Authorities also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities, stressing that responsible digital citizenship and open communication are key to preventing cyberbullying and online threats. | GPB
