By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Police have tightened security in all schools in this town after an online account posted an alleged shooting threat directed at students and teachers of Sta. Josefa National High School IN Sya. Josefa town this province.
Mayor Richard M. Plaza ordered authorities to increase security measures in schools across the municipality after the threatening social media post circulated.
The Sta. Josefa Municipal Police Station immediately launched an investigation to determine the threat’s credibility and identify the person or persons behind the account.
Police Major Hudson C. Bangit, officer-in-charge of the Sta. Josefa police, said authorities found that the social media page that posted the threat was already inactive.
However, police said they were tracking the account as part of their continuing investigation.
Authorities also increased police visibility and security measures, particularly in schools, while coordinating with school officials and other concerned agencies.
Plaza said the local government was taking the incident seriously and would continue working with the police to ensure the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.
Bangit said police were continuing their assessment and monitoring of the situation.
The mayor and police urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and warned against spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary fear and panic.
They also appealed to residents to immediately report suspicious activities or information related to the alleged threat to the police or other authorities.
Police have yet to determine whether the threat was credible and who was behind the inactive social media account.
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