Police have heightened security and launched a full-scale investigation following threats targeting some educational institutions, including the University of St. La Salle (USLS) and Luisa Medel National High School in Bacolod City.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) said the Bacolod City Police Office moved quickly to conduct security assessments and deploy additional personnel to secure the affected campuses.
In response to a threat directed at its campus, USLS suspended face-to-face classes from Monday until Wednesday, shifting students to synchronous online learning.
While university officials clarified that no confirmed information warrants undue alarm, they maintained that the shifting of classes is a prudent precautionary measure while safety assessments are completed.
“Those who come to campus may also notice an increased security presence, particularly at the University gates,” the USLS administration stated, noting that admissions, enrollment, and essential office transactions will continue.
However, large gatherings and extended campus stays remain temporarily suspended.
USLS expects to release a new advisory on class arrangements on July 8.
Meanwhile, Luisa Medel National High School also went on alert after receiving a threatening message on its official Facebook page.
Luisa Medel NHS administrators immediately tapped the Bacolod City Police Office Station 8 for an on-site inspection, it said in a post on its Facebook page Tuesday.
The case has since been referred to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) for a digital forensic investigation to track down the sender.
“We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, and staff remain our top priority,” the high school administration said, adding that its guidance office is open to support any students experiencing anxiety.
Appropriate criminal charges will be filed once the person responsible is identified, it said.
As investigations continue to determine the source and credibility of the threats, the PRO NIR reminded the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or screenshots on social media.
The regional police office warned that fabricating or sharing false threats causes unnecessary panic, disrupts school operations, and may subject individuals to severe legal action.
Parents are also encouraged to speak with their children about responsible social media use and to report any suspicious messages immediately to school authorities or law enforcement.*
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