No threat found at Cebu City school after shooting scare

Authorities conduct inspections within the vicinity of a private school in Cebu City after a reported shooting threat alarm on Thursday morning, July 2. | CDN Digital photo / Lyle Andales

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities found no imminent threat or suspicious items at a Cebu City school on Thursday, July 2, after a shooting threat circulated on social media.

In a statement, Carbon Police Station of the Cebu City Police Office said police personnel, together with concerned authorities and the school administration, conducted a campus-wide security inspection.

Following the assessment, authorities said no suspicious items or imminent threats were found.

READ: School shooting threat reported in Cebu City

The school board subsequently decided to continue classes.

Security measures implemented

According to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), authorities initially received information about a reported bomb threat at around 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Further assessment later showed that the incident involved a shooting threat posted on Facebook and directed at the school.

Carbon Police Station said they immediately responded to the report, coordinating with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit (TMRU), the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), Barangay Pahina Central officials, and school authorities.

https://www.facebook.com/cdndigital/posts/school-shooting-threat-in-cebu-cityread-here-breaking-news-authorities-are-respo/1453205013506172

Police said a thorough inspection of the campus was conducted while all students entering the school underwent security screening.

Students were also temporarily prohibited from leaving the campus until the inspection was completed.

READ: Gun found in Iloilo school student’s bag

Authorities likewise coordinated with the school administration and the school board while carrying out threat assessment procedures to ensure the safety of students, faculty members, staff, and visitors.

Investigation continues

As of Thursday afternoon, students had returned to their classrooms while police remained in the area as authorities continued investigating the source and credibility of the social media threat.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Z. Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said authorities are working to identify the person responsible for the social media post.

Oriol said appropriate charges would be filed once the person responsible is identified.

Public urged to avoid spreading unverified information

Carbon Police Station reminded the public that making threats—whether online or offline—is a serious offense that will be investigated accordingly.

The police also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to immediately report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival also appealed to the public to remain calm and rely only on official advisories as authorities continue investigating the incident.

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