DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Two public high schools in Carmen, Davao del Norte were placed on heightened alert Wednesday, Sept. 30, after a social media post circulated about an alleged planned shooting, prompting police to conduct a clearing operation.
The Carmen Municipal Police Station (Carmen MPS) said its personnel immediately responded and proceeded to Carmen National High School (CNHS) and Alejal National High School (ANHS) to verify the alleged threat.
Police said the social media post referred to a toy gun previously confiscated by teachers from a 13-year-old student of CNHS. The item was initially believed to be a genuine firearm, causing concern among teachers, students, and parents.
After verification and coordination with school authorities, police found no actual threat or untoward incident at either school.
Reactions as threat circulates
Grace Pagas, a Grade 10 student of CNHS, said students first heard about the alleged gun threat at around 11 a.m. as police arrived at the school.
Pagas said students initially thought the police presence was part of a drill before they were asked to gather as authorities investigated who posted about the alleged threat.
She said students were instructed to remain calm and avoid making unnecessary noise while no further announcements were made.
“[Students] gathered again to make sure that they were safe while they were investigating who posted about a gun threat,” Pagas said.
Pagas said the incident affected school activities and raised concerns about the safety of students inside classrooms. She also expressed concern over the possible impact of unverified social media posts on students and teachers, saying such posts could cause trauma within the school community.
Teacher Loramie Faye Buyo said panic initially spread among students and teachers as the alleged shooting threat circulated.
“Everyone is in panic because of everyone’s reaction,” Buyo said.
She said the situation became calmer after police responded immediately.
Buyo said students were not immediately sent home when the news began circulating.
Some parents went to the school to fetch their children, while other students were allowed to leave as authorities addressed the situation.
“We waited for PNP clearing operations first, but some of the students were already fetched by their parents so we just let them be with their guardians,” Buyo said.
She added that the school was placed under “total cover” heavily monitored as authorities responded to the reported threat.
No actual threat
The Carmen MPS said its investigation found the social media post contained false information and that no actual threat or untoward incident occurred at either schools. Both campuses were assessed as safe and secure.
The social media post has since been deleted, according to the Carmen MPS, which urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing or reposting unverified information.
Police said they will continue coordinating with school authorities to verify reported threats or suspicious activities.
Isulan shooting a hoax
A blast from faulty electrical wiring near Isulan National High School in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat was mistaken for gunfire, but authorities calmed the situation.
The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 when a loud explosion was heard, alerting school officials and authorities to respond as students began to panic.
School communities across the country have grown worried over incidents of school shootings and online hoaxes, which triggered the Isulan panic.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Ali Mangudadatu clarified the incident in a statement on social media.
“THERE WAS NO SHOOTING INCIDENT at Isulan National High School,” Mangudadatu said. “The reported loud sound was not caused by a firearm and was likely due to faulty electrical wiring. No ammunition was found in the area during the investigation.”
He added that the provincial Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) assessed the electrical wiring around the campus.
The school acted quickly to assure the community, sharing a video in the governor’s media account.
Principal Lorelei Valencia told the public no shooting or hostage-taking had occurred, as rumors spread on social media claimed. She said no students or teachers were harmed after they implemented their school lockdown drill.
She said students were sent home after the campus was deemed safe by
by authorities.
The Philippine National Red Cross, in its separate post, reported that 19 people at the school were treated for panic attacks. (davaotoday.com)
