USLS tightens security after online threat in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The University of St. La Salle (USLS) here has heightened security measures and increased vigilance across the campus as it continues to assess the situation following an alleged security-related message that circulated online Monday night.

In a statement posted on social media, the university said it was aware of the information and was verifying the report and assessing its credibility.

“USLS does not take reports of this nature lightly,” it added.

In the interest of the safety and well-being of students, all classes on Tuesday, Aug. 25, shifted to synchronous online learning.

As the assessment and verification of the security-related concern continue, the university is maintaining the precautionary measures already in place.

“No specific or actionable threat has been confirmed. Neither has the report been ruled out,” the university stated.

Police Maj. Joeil Reclamado, head of Police Station 4, said police have coordinated with the school and increased their presence in the area until the situation stabilizes.

Reclamado said police had not recovered anything suspicious during their investigation.

He added that face-to-face classes will resume Wednesday.

Despite the unverified threat, Reclamado said police consider the matter a serious concern because of the safety of students, teachers, and staff.

Though the investigation may take some time and could be challenging, Reclamado said police have already coordinated with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) to help track or identify the anonymous person who posted the alleged security threat.

The university said its existing security protocols remain fully operational and monitoring efforts are ongoing.

It asked the Lasallian community to remain calm and vigilant as it continues to assess and verify the information.

It also urged members of the community to report anything that may pose a security concern to the proper authorities.

Last month, a security threat was also reported at the school, prompting a three-day suspension of classes.

The incident follows a series of school-related threats reported in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, this month.