Police beefing up security in schools

CEBU, Philippines — After a reported shooting threat disrupted classes at a private school, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde said the CCPO has intensified police visibility in all public and private schools to help ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other personnel.

Sumalde, on Friday, July 3, said the heightened security measures include increased police patrols and closer coordination with school administrators.

He also urged the public to immediately report any shooting threat to the police, assuring them that law enforcement authorities are prepared to respond promptly and take appropriate action.

The city police chief issued the reminder following the reported online shooting threat that caused alarm among students, parents, teachers, and school personnel at Cebu Eastern College (CEC) on Thursday, July 2.

Sumalde also appealed to the public to refrain from making threats or posting similar content on social media and instead seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities if they have concerns.

He likewise urged the public not to spread unverified information online and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police to help prevent potential harm.

The CCPO continues to coordinate with other government agencies as the investigation progresses to identify the person behind the online post, determine the motive, and file the appropriate charges against those responsible.

Meanwhile, city government officials underscored the importance of a swift multi-agency response in containing the shooting threat at CEC.

What began as a reported bomb scare around 10 a.m. quickly evolved into a coordinated security operation after investigators confirmed that the threat originated from a Facebook post warning of a planned attack on freshmen students.

According to the city’s Public Information Office, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) immediately activated emergency protocols, deploying personnel alongside the Philippine National Police (PNP), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, and other specialized responders.

A total of 41 personnel from various agencies secured the campus, conducted inspections, and enforced strict security measures while ensuring communication flowed seamlessly through a unified command structure.

Crowd management and evacuation readiness were also put in place, with classes temporarily restricted until the all-clear was given.

CEC administrators issued an official statement assuring families and stakeholders that all students, faculty, and staff were safe.

Mayor Nestor Archival emphasized that student safety remains the city’s foremost priority, urging the public to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and rely only on official advisories.

Police officials confirmed that cybercrime units are now tracing the origin of the online threat, stressing that such acts are punishable under Philippine law.

The incident comes amid rising school-related threats nationwide.

Just weeks earlier, Tacloban City suffered a deadly classroom shooting that left three students dead and more than 20 injured.

In Cavite, knife attacks on students further heightened concerns, while another school in Quezon City received a shooting threat on the same day as the Cebu incident, later verified as false.

These events have intensified calls for stronger cyber monitoring, enhanced campus security, and comprehensive student protection measures across the country.

City officials reiterated that no explosives were found at CEC and that security measures remain in place as investigations continue. (CEBU NEWS)