Students face expulsion for weapons, threats

MANILA, Philippines — Students behind threats in schools may face expulsion or suspension amid growing numbers of posts online, Education Secretary Sonny Angara warned yesterday.

“We take all threats like that seriously. There was one in Batangas a few days ago. Now it’s in Bagong Silangan (High School). So we really need to take it seriously,” Angara said as he expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of violence in schools.

“It is very alarming. And we’re not just looking at short-term measures like making our schools safe and the security arrangements. I say the internal arrangements, the way we interact with the children, the way we make sure they’re part of a community, that’s more important because that’s really long-term,” he added.

Angara said it is up to local government units (LGUs) to implement measures to address threats and violence in schools, noting that Manila Mayor Isko Moreno had said that those behind violence and threats in schools are facing expulsion in the city.

“That’s a local autonomy issue. So, if that’s the LGU decision, the Department of Education (DepEd) doesn’t want to interfere,” he said.

Angara said the DepEd already asked the assistance of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in tracing the group or people behind the threats and incidents in schools.

Fireman given medal of valor

For taking down one of the shooters at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City despite the risk to his life, Fire Officer 2 Ludwig Erick Zosa got a commendation from the Bureau of Fire Protection and a recommendation for promotion up the BFP career ladder.

Zosa received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan from BFP director Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu for his heroism during the school shooting on June 22.

The fireman was seen on video subduing 15-year-old Rod, one of the two juvenile suspects responsible for the attack that left three students dead and 20 others wounded.

“FO2 Zosa showed extraordinary courage and restraint under fire. He protected students, teachers and he gave that 15-year-old a chance to face justice, not death,” said BFP Eastern Visayas director Chief Supt. Aldwin Salazar. “That is what a hero looks like.”

In a video message posted on the BFP social media page, Zosa said he was elated that he helped prevent more casualties.

Noise creates panic in Quezon City school

Meanwhile, loud noises from heavy equipment at a construction site caused panic among students at the Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City yesterday, thinking their campus was under attack.

Several students panicked after rumors of an active shooter and ongoing stabbing incident in their school spread. The situation was exacerbated by online chat messages warning of a planned attack on their campus. — Emmanuel Tupas, Miriam Desacada, Janvic Mateo