TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities maintained normal face-to-face classes at Leyte National High School on Tuesday after an online mass shooting threat aimed at disrupting the school was deemed managed under heightened security measures.

The Schools Division of Tacloban City said officials at the school, the most populated high school in Eastern Visayas, received the threat of a mass shooting allegedly involving five students late Monday night.

Based on the social media handle and content, the threat appeared to originate from a female former student whose sister is currently enrolled and reportedly experiencing bullying at the school.

Upon receiving the information around 11 p.m. Monday, School Principal Dr. Bayani Adona immediately notified the Philippine National Police for law enforcement action and referred the matter to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit to trace the source for potential legal proceedings.

Tacloban Schools Division Superintendent Sherlita Palma said that following consultations with the PNP and other concerned agencies, officials decided against suspending face-to-face classes.

“Based on the security assessment conducted by our law enforcement partners, sufficient measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and protection of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” Palma said in a public statement.

“Let this be our collective resolve: We cannot allow evil to frighten us, and we will not allow fear to control us. While we remain vigilant and prepared, we likewise remain committed to ensuring that learning continues in a safe, secure, and orderly environment,” she added.

Palma stressed that officials refuse to allow malicious individuals to disrupt students’ education or weaken the confidence of school communities.

On Tuesday morning, Special Weapons and Tactics personnel from the Tacloban City Mobile Force Company (TCMFC) conducted foot patrols inside the campus, roving through rooms and buildings.

Police Lt. Col. J-Rale Paalisbo, force commander of the TCMFC, said the foot patrols aim to prevent criminal activity and ensure the safety of students, faculty and school personnel.

Established in 1903, Leyte National High School is one of the oldest and largest public secondary schools in Eastern Visayas, with an annual student population of about 10,000.