Mountain schools targeted with online threat, halt classes

CEBU, Philippines — Three public schools in Cebu City’s mountain barangay became the latest schools targeted by an online threat, prompting officials to temporarily halt classes to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other personnel.

The threat came from a Facebook account using the name “Jade Jay Bong,” which posted a message on Tuesday warning of a possible shooting within two days.

The post stated: “Sunod pusilon within two days andam2 lang mo dra kay basin mag uwan ug dugo dra kay mga feelingon kaau ang mga tao dra dili kahibawo mo respecto ang mga tao andam2 lang mo dra mga wlay Moy respectar ha.”

The same post named Adlaon Integrated School, Taptap Integrated School, and Sibugay Integrated School in Pung-ol Sibugay as possible targets.

In its statement, Sibugay Integrated School said the social media post had caused fear and concern over the security of schools, prompting the administration to implement precautionary measures while authorities continued investigating the alleged threat.

School officials said ensuring the safety and security of the school community remains their top priority as they continue to coordinate with law enforcement authorities during the ongoing investigation.

The City’s Public Information Office, for its part, stressed that the suspension was a precautionary measure, emphasizing that “the safety and well-being of learners and school personnel remain the highest priority.”

Just days earlier, Cebu City was also jolted by another incident involving youth violence.

A video showing two Grade 7 students of Talamban National High School engaged in a fistfight near San Isidro Parish Church in Barangay Talamban went viral on social media.

The altercation, which occurred on July 29 but surfaced online on August 3, prompted swift intervention from the Talamban Police Station, barangay officials, and school administrators.

A case conference was held with parents, guidance counselors, and barangay representatives, resulting in the minors being placed under a diversion program supervised by the Department of Social Welfare and Services.

In response, City Councilor Pastor M. Alcover Jr. delivered a privilege speech on the City Council floor, describing the incident as a wake-up call for Cebu City to confront deeper issues affecting its youth.

“This is not merely about two students exchanging blows,” Alcover said. “It is a reflection of bullying, peer pressure, the influence of violence on social media, inadequate parental supervision, and the mental health struggles our children face today.”

Alcover warned that the viral nature of the fight subjected the minors to “public scrutiny and possible psychological trauma, despite the protections afforded to them under our laws.”

Alcover cited Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), Republic Act 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013), and Republic Act 9344, as amended by Republic Act 10630 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act), stressing that these laws mandate government action to safeguard children and promote restorative justice.

He then moved for the City Council to convene an executive session through the Committees on Peace and Order, Education, and Youth to review existing child protection and anti-bullying policies.

The session is expected to involve representatives from the Cebu City Police Office–Women and Children Protection Desk, the Department of Education–Cebu City Division, the Department of Social Welfare and Services, Barangay Talamban officials, the school principal, and the Parents-Teachers and Community Association of Talamban National High School.

“We must ask ourselves: are our current policies enough? Or do we need stronger legislative measures to prevent youth violence and protect our children?” Alcover said. “The Council cannot remain reactive. We must be proactive in ensuring that our schools and communities are safe spaces for learning and growth.”

The Cebu City Government reiterated its appeal for vigilance, calm, and reliance on official advisories as authorities continue to investigate both the mountain school threats and the Talamban incident.

Officials urged the public to report credible information to law enforcement immediately, assuring that timely updates will be released once verified. — /IHM (FREEMAN)