By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
Classes at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) and Luisa Medel National High School in Bacolod City were suspended yesterday due to alleged threats received by the schools.
Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) spokesperson, said upon receipt of the information, concerned police units immediately coordinated with school authorities and other partner agencies to verify the threats.
They conducted thorough security assessments and implemented appropriate safety and preventive measures within the schools’ premises.
Malong said police personnel have intensified police visibility in and around the affected schools, conducted inspections of school premises, and maintained close coordination with school administrators to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty members, school personnel, and visitors.
“At this time, investigations remain ongoing to determine the source and credibility of the reported threats,” she added.
PRO-NIR reminded the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
“PRO-NIR remains committed to ensuring that all learning institutions remain safe and secure environments for education. We assure the public that appropriate security measures will continue to be implemented while investigations are being pursued,” Malong said.
She disclosed that the dissemination of false information or fabricated threats causes unnecessary alarm, disrupts school operations, and may subject those responsible to appropriate legal action.
Police also encouraged parents to talk to their children about the responsible use of social media, report any suspicious messages or activities immediately, and refrain from sharing screenshots or posts that have not been verified by authorities.
On its social media post, Luisa Medel National High School stated that it received threatening messages on its official Facebook page.
“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 administration said.
In a separate post, the USLS also stated that they shifted their classes to online after the administration was informed of a “security matter.”
“The university places the highest priority on the safety and security of the La Sallian community,” the advisory said./MAP, WDJ