DepEd: Tolosa threat ‘not linked’ to actual planned attack

PALO, Leyte — A reported threat of an attack against a student at Tolosa National High School was resolved quietly this week after authorities determined the online post did not pose a real danger, officials said Friday.

School authorities activated security protocols Tuesday morning after the threat circulated on social media and student group chats.

The Department of Education (DepEd) regional office reported the incident to the Schools Division Office of Leyte and local police for investigation.

“Further investigation revealed that the threat was not linked to an actual planned attack,” DepEd said in a statement.

The Tolosa Municipal Police Station traced the origin of the post and convened a meeting Tuesday morning with the minor student’s family, local high school principals, and representatives from the Leyte Provincial Police Office.

Police officials said the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to ensure student safety.

Also, the Leyte Provincial Police Office issued a statement Friday affirming that while all online threats are taken seriously, validation and assessment established “no indication of any coordinated activity nor any actual or imminent danger.”

The swift resolution comes amid heightened regional anxieties over school safety following a 22 June shooting rampage at San Jose National High School in neighboring Tacloban City, which left three students dead and 21 others wounded.

In response to that tragedy, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez led an inspection of San Jose National High School on Thursday alongside city department heads and police to evaluate safety upgrades ahead of the resumption of classes on Monday.

Romualdez announced that the city is planning a comprehensive security overhaul for all 60 public elementary and high schools across Tacloban.

The proposed measures include deploying additional security personnel, constructing secure perimeter fencing, installing more closed-circuit television cameras and implementing a panic-button system directly linked to local emergency responders.

The mayor also met with faculty to pledge support for mental health and emotional recovery programs for traumatized students.

“We are also looking into improving the ambiance and atmosphere of classrooms and hallways to help restore a sense of normalcy, security, and comfort for our students as they gradually move forward from this difficult experience,” Romualdez said. “We will do everything we can to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning.”