• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Classes at E.B. Magalona National High School (EBMNHS) and E.B. Magalona Elementary School were suspended Tuesday following an online threat against students posted on social media by an unidentified individual.
E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Malacon ordered the suspension of classes as a precautionary measure, stressing that the local government would not risk the safety of students and school personnel while authorities investigate.
“Stay calm, don’t panic,” Malacon told residents, assuring the community that authorities were already addressing the situation.
“We are now on top of the situation. We will get to the bottom of all this,” he added.
Police said the threat was reported to the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station by the school principal after a threatening message allegedly appeared on a social media account.
Officers immediately coordinated with the school administration, conducted a security assessment, and increased police visibility in and around the school premises.
Authorities are also securing electronic evidence and working with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit for technical investigation and possible tracing of the account involved.
Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Director PBGen Rudecindo Reales said the report was being treated seriously, with personnel directed to strengthen security coordination with the schools.
“We also appeal to everyone to remain calm and vigilant and refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear or panic,” Reales said.
He urged anyone with information or who receives suspicious messages related to the incident to immediately report them to the police.
PRO-NIR assured that appropriate security and investigative measures are underway and that verified updates will be released as the probe progresses. | GPB
