In the wake of the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, at least three more schools in Eastern Visayas have received online threats of similar attacks from fictitious social media accounts, prompting heightened security and police investigations.

On Saturday, Palo National High School said it received two reports of alleged threats, which have been referred to authorities for investigation and efforts to identify the sources of the Facebook and Messenger accounts involved.

In a statement, the school administration said there was no immediate threat to students or personnel but assured the public that it remains on heightened alert.

“The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority,” the school said.

Palo National High School has more than 2,000 students enrolled in its junior and senior high school programs.

In Northern Samar, Allen National High School also received an online threat reportedly targeting Grade 8 students.

Allen Vice Mayor Christian Lao said the matter had been reported to authorities, who are now working to identify the source of the threatening post.

More patrols

“A threat to the safety of our children, whether intended as a joke or a serious declaration of violence, will never be tolerated in the Municipality of Allen,” Lao said.

He said he had directed the local police to increase visibility and security patrols around the school and nearby campuses to reassure students, teachers and parents.

Lao also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities and discuss the consequences of cyberbullying, spreading false information and making online threats.

He appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid resharing the posts to prevent unnecessary panic, and instead report any relevant information directly to law enforcement authorities.

Meanwhile, Christ the King College in Calbayog City also heightened security after a social media post alleged that one of its students was carrying a firearm and was part of a group chat that included one of the suspects in the San Jose National High School shooting.

In a statement issued on June 25, the school said the student identified in the post had been temporarily barred from entering the campus while an investigation is underway.

Copycats?

The decision followed a meeting between school administrators and other officials to determine appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the school community amid potential copycat attacks.

“We wish to assure our students, parents, faculty, staff and stakeholders that the school remains safe. All school personnel are on heightened alert and continue to work closely to maintain a secure learning environment for everyone,” the school said.

The online threats surfaced days after the 23 June shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where a 14-year-old alleged gunman and a 15-year-old companion allegedly opened fire, leaving three people dead and several others injured.