Suspect behind shooting threat vs Inayawan school in police custody

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The person who allegedly posted an online shooting threat targeting Inayawan National High School has been identified, located, and is now in police custody, according to the barangay captain.

In a social media post on Sunday, July 5, Barangay Captain Kirk Bryan Jaca Repollo said the development resulted from coordination among the school administration, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Inayawan Police Station, the Cebu City Government, and the Barangay Inayawan Council.

As of this writing, the CCPO has yet to release the person’s identity or provide details about the circumstances of the custody as they continue investigating the incident.

School shooting threat reported by teacher

The investigation stemmed from a reported shooting threat circulated on social media targeting Inayawan National High School.

Earlier, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak disclosed that a teacher forwarded to authorities a screenshot of a social media post threatening to shoot teachers and school officials inside the campus.

According to Tumulak, the post contained explicit threats directed at the school’s teachers, particularly those handling Grades 7 and 8, as well as the school principal.

The school’s faculty subsequently reported the incident to Inayawan Police Station, where it was entered into the police blotter for investigation.

READ: Cebu City school shooting threat: What we know so far

Investigation ongoing

Following the reported threat, CCPO City Director Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde led a coordination meeting with Barangay Inayawan officials, the principal of Inayawan National High School, police commanders, and other concerned officials.

According to the CCPO, the meeting focused on assessing the credibility of the reported Facebook threat, enhancing coordination among police, barangay officials, and school authorities, and implementing additional security measures to protect students, teachers, school personnel, and nearby communities.

READ: Bomb, shooting threats shut down Eastern Samar’s largest high school

Security measures

During the meeting, police, barangay officials, and school authorities agreed to intensify police visibility around the campus, strengthen information sharing, and sustain close inter-agency coordination in responding to potential security concerns.

While the investigation continues, authorities urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm.

The CCPO said it will continue coordinating with school officials and local government authorities, maintaining heightened police visibility and other security measures while the probe is underway.

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