Roxas City schools suspend in-person classes over threat

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Several schools here suspended in-person classes following a threat circulated on social media claiming that a shooting might occur on campus.

Police Lt. Col. Rogelio Tomagtang Jr., chief of the Roxas Component City Police Station, said police immediately launched an investigation after receiving information about the threat.

Tomagtang said a video that went viral Thursday showing a student holding what appeared to be a firearm was not connected to the alleged threat.

Police coordinated with the student and his parents, who said the video was a prank and was not intended to cause trouble at school.

Tomagtang said the video was taken last year and that the alleged firearm was merely a toy gun.

Authorities and the City Social Welfare and Development Office are conducting intervention involving the student.

Tomagtang assured the public that police are taking steps to keep schools in Roxas City safe from threats.

He also urged the public not to spread false information and to use social media responsibly.

Among the schools that suspended in-person classes were Capiz National High School, Congressman Ramon A. Arnaldo High School, Filamer Christian University and St. Anthony College.

The scare came less than a week after a Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, where two students and the teenage gunman were killed and several others were injured, prompting heightened concern over online threats involving schools.