De La Salle Lipa shifts to online classes amid threat

LIPA CITY, Batangas , Philippines — Administrators of De La Salle Lipa have shifted classes to online mode for one week after an alleged threat of mass shooting circulated on social media.

Based on information shared by a relative of one of the students, parents reportedly received a screenshot of an online conversation between two people about another mass shooting that would allegedly occur at De La Salle Lipa.

In response, school authorities decided to suspend in-person classes and shifted to online learning from July 6 to 11.

The class suspension will allow the school to install walk-through metal detectors.

Aside from installing detectors, security measures including inspection of bags at all entry points will be tightened, school officials said.

They said coordination with the police is ongoing to further strengthen security on campus and enhance emergency response measures.

The Lipa police has yet to issue a statement regarding the alleged threat.

Last week, the Batangas City Integrated High School suspended classes after receiving an online threat from a 17-year-old student, who was later taken into police custody.

In Negros Island Region, several schools also shifted to online mode this week after receiving bomb threats and other security concerns.

Drill vs school shootings

Meanwhile, a nationwide drill to prepare students, teachers and school personnel for potential mass shooting incidents will be launched tomorrow, according to the Department of Education.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the drill would teach students, teachers and school personnel what to do in case someone starts shooting.

The drill is an offshoot of a shooting incident at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, which left three students dead and 20 others wounded.

Following the Tacloban shooting, several schools nationwide have received threats of bomb attacks and other forms of violence.

Angara said the DepEd would ask the police to investigate the threats, which have prompted schools to suspend in-person classes and shift to online mode of learning.

He said the DepEd is providing psychosocial support services for learners, parents and school personnel affected by the shooting incident. – Bella Cariaso