PNP warns ‘school threat’ message perpetrators: ‘We will find you’

The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Monday to track down and prosecute anyone responsible for circulating threatening messages targeting students in several regions of the Philippines. The warnings came after text messages were shared among students and parents in Manila, claiming that a group intended to attack specific schools in Metro Manila and the provinces of Bataan, Rizal, and Quezon. The PNP’s public information chief, Colonel Allen Rae Co, assured the public that the agency would not rest until the perpetrators were identified and held accountable. The messages, which circulated through social media platforms late on Sunday, reportedly included detailed plans for targeted attacks. While some users dismissed the messages as pranks, others expressed concern over the potential danger. Co confirmed that the PNP had taken the threats seriously and was actively investigating their origin. He stated that the agency would deploy officers to verify the authenticity of the claims and determine whether the threats posed a real risk to student safety. Co emphasized that the PNP treated all threat messages with utmost seriousness, regardless of their perceived intent. “We will find you, we will be able to trace you, and we will file the necessary charges or we will do all the legal actions available to us against you,” he said during a press briefing. However, he also acknowledged the possibility that the messages might have been fabricated, noting that false alarms could divert valuable law enforcement resources away from more pressing concerns. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the credibility of the messages, Co stressed that the PNP would not take any chances. “We cannot afford to ignore it,” he said. Officers were instructed to assess the situation at the affected schools and determine whether immediate action was required. This included evaluating whether the threat was genuine or merely a hoax, and deciding whether to implement emergency measures such as suspending classes. School administrators, including those at Manila Science High School, were advised to exercise caution and consider taking preventive steps if they deemed the threats credible. Co noted that school authorities had the authority to suspend classes if they believed the messages posed a direct risk to students. This measure, while controversial, was presented as a necessary precaution given the nature of the threats. In addition to addressing the immediate concerns, the PNP is also exploring ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. Co mentioned that the agency is collaborating with technology companies, though he declined to specify which ones, citing operational security reasons. “These are part of our operational security,” he said. The collaboration aims to enhance the ability to monitor and respond to online threats more effectively. As the investigation unfolds, local authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The PNP has also reminded citizens that spreading unverified threats can lead to legal consequences. The incident highlights the growing challenge of managing online misinformation and its potential impact on public safety. For now, the focus remains on identifying the individuals behind the messages and ensuring the safety of students across the country.