The Department of Education has reported that police have successfully thwarted four threats targeting schools across the country, as authorities step up security amid a rise in school-related violence.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara expressed gratitude to the Philippine National Police and the security sector for their swift action in identifying and holding accountable those responsible for spreading online threats against schools.
The secretary emphasized that this move aligns with President Bongbong Marcos' directive to ensure the safety and protection of learners and teachers in every part of the country.
Data from the agency revealed that seven 15-year-old learners in Magalang, Pampanga, were brought to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor for inquest proceedings over a social media post threatening to harm learners of Tinajero National High School Annex.
An 18-year-old suspect in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, was arrested in a joint police operation for circulating online bomb threats against multiple public and private schools in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
Additionally, another 18-year-old learner was arrested for posting a hoax threat at San Felipe Integrated School in Nueva Ecija, as authorities continue to crack down on threats and misinformation.
Authorities also seized 16 digital devices in a search, seizure, and examination warrant against a woman in Barangay Paradahan I in Tanza, Cavite, after being linked to an online threat aimed at a local school.
The Department of Education has vowed to maintain a safe and motivating learning environment, with Education Secretary Angara urging parents, teachers, and the community to guide and protect learners and prevent the disruption of education.
According to the department's guidelines, bomb threats and bomb jokes are classified as third-level offenses, punishable by non-readmission and referral to government agencies for a first offense, and exclusion, referral, and necessary interventions for a second offense.
Furthermore, the dissemination of false news that confuses learners and school personnel is classified as a first-level offense, subject to written reprimand, official parent conferences, or administrative measures.
The department has also strengthened its Active Human-induced Threats protocol to ensure school readiness and response during emergencies, as authorities recorded at least 15 major school incidents nationwide between June 16 and July 6, with 47 bomb threats in Central Luzon alone since May 1.
