School threats spark online classes, tighter security

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Three schools in Bacolod City and Negros Oriental were hit by security threats this week, prompting the suspension of face-to-face classes and the deployment of additional police personnel.

The University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City issued an advisory over the weekend informing students that classes from July 6–8 would shift to synchronous online learning as a precautionary response to a concern brought to the attention of the university administration.

In a statement released Monday, the university said it remained in close coordination with appropriate authorities as they continued necessary assessments related to a reported threat of violence directed at the school.

While it did not specify the nature of the threat, the university said its teams had been working continuously to monitor the situation and ensure that every decision prioritized the safety and well-being of the Lasallian community.

The university said there was no confirmed information that warranted undue alarm but added that it was prudent to maintain the precautionary measures already in place because some assessments require time to be completed thoroughly.

Admissions, enrollment, office transactions, and other essential university services continued as scheduled.

During the period, the university limited on-campus activity to essential services and structured activities that required only a brief or predictable physical presence in designated areas.

Activities involving large gatherings, extended stays, or increased movement across campus remained temporarily suspended while assessments continued.

Those who went to campus were advised to expect increased security presence, particularly at university gates, to support the assessments and help maintain a safe environment.

The university also thanked the Lasallian community for its patience, understanding, and cooperation.

The following day, Luisa Medel National High School in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City, issued an advisory to parents, guardians, and the school community following a reported threat sent through its social media account.

“We understand that many of you have concerns, but we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff remain our top priority, and we are taking this matter seriously,” the school said in a statement.

The school said the incident was immediately reported to Police Station 8, which investigated the case and conducted an on-site inspection and security assessment of the campus.

The case was also formally referred to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit for digital forensic investigation to identify the person responsible.

Additional police visibility was deployed in and around the school to enhance security.

The school administration also coordinated closely with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation, with appropriate charges to be filed once the person responsible is identified.

“We know news like this can be worrying, and we want to thank our parents and guardians for your trust and patience as authorities do their work,” the school said, as it assured them that classes and school activities would continue under increased security measures.

“If your child feels anxious or has any concerns, our guidance office remains available to provide support,” the school said, as it encouraged parents to talk with their children, reassure them, and remind them to immediately report anything unusual to a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator.

Police said the situation had been placed under control and there was nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, face-to-face classes at St. Scholastica’s Academy-Bacolod were suspended from July 6–10 as the school conducted its academic retreat.

During the period, students were expected to complete assigned asynchronous learning activities through Google Classroom, while school offices remained open to accommodate inquiries and transactions.

The Bacolod City Police Office promptly responded to reports of alleged threats involving educational institutions in the city.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said concerned police units immediately coordinated with school authorities and partner agencies to verify the reports, conduct security assessments, and implement safety and preventive measures.

As part of established security protocols, police personnel intensified visibility in and around affected schools, inspected school premises when necessary, and maintained close coordination with school administrators to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty members, school personnel, and visitors.

Investigations remained ongoing to determine the source and credibility of the reported threats.

The regional office reminded the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official announcements from the Philippine National Police and concerned school authorities.

It said the dissemination of false information or fabricated threats causes unnecessary alarm, disrupts school operations, and may subject those responsible to legal action.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1727, the malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat involving bombs, explosives, or similar destructive devices is unlawful and carries penalties.

Parents were also encouraged to talk to their children about the responsible use of social media, report suspicious messages or activities immediately, and refrain from sharing screenshots or posts that have not been verified by authorities.

The PRO-NIR said it is committed to ensuring that learning institutions remain safe and secure environments for education.

The regional office also assured the public that appropriate security measures would continue while investigations were being pursued.

On Monday, a bomb threat also hit Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

In a statement issued after a security assessment, the university’s Campus Security and Safety Office, in coordination with police, declared the Silliman University campus safe.

The university thanked law enforcement authorities and members of the university community for their awareness, cooperation, and patience throughout the incident.

The school also reminded everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious activity or unattended items to campus security or appropriate authorities.

Although the campus lockdown was lifted, enhanced security measures remained in effect, including strict gate inspection protocols, heightened monitoring, and thorough inspections of university premises.

All classes at all levels were conducted online Tuesday, while employees worked from home and were expected to remain on standby to perform their duties and respond promptly to work-related concerns as needed.

The PRO-NIR reminded the public that making false bomb threats and deliberately spreading false information are punishable under existing Philippine laws.