Escalante school resumes classes after online threat

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Escalante National High School in Negros Occidental resumed face-to-face classes Thursday amid an investigation into an alleged online threat of a school shooting in the city earlier this week.

Some parents were alarmed Monday after reports spread in the city about an alleged shooting threat involving a 14-year-old student from another school.

Although the threat did not specifically identify Escalante National High School as the target, some parents still picked up their children from school.

The school shifted to Alternative Delivery Mode for three days starting Monday afternoon, following a recommendation from an emergency meeting and consultation with the schools division office, police, and school administration.

In a recent advisory, the school said it continues to work closely with concerned agencies to ensure the safety and security of all learners and personnel.

The school said appropriate precautionary measures have been put in place as classes resume.

It also encouraged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities in school and online.

The school urged the public to report information or suspicious activities that may affect the safety and well-being of the school community, stressing that the safety, security, and welfare of learners and personnel remain its priority.

The 14-year-old student came under investigation after authorities received information that he had allegedly planned a school shooting.

The case surfaced through a now-viral social media post by a woman who said she discovered the alleged conversation on her nephew’s device.

The woman later deactivated her social media account.

The Escalante City Police Station has submitted the student’s cellphone for digital forensic examination to determine the possible involvement of other persons.

Police also urged the public to use social media responsibly while the investigation is pending.

They appealed to the public to stop bullying, harassing, or sharing unverified information about the student, reminding them that, as a minor, the child is entitled to protection, dignity, and due process under the law.

Escalante City is in northern Negros Occidental, where local authorities and schools have been coordinating on public safety measures following the reported online threat.