La Trinidad boosts security after online threats

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The municipal government and police have stepped up security measures following online threats targeting two schools in the provincial capital, assuring residents that student safety remains a priority.

Mayor Roderick Awingan said municipal officials had met with the administration of one of the affected schools.

The La Trinidad Municipal Police Station identified San Jose School of La Trinidad as one of the institutions targeted by the online threat. Authorities did not identify the second school. San Jose School suspended face-to-face classes in response to the incident.

Police from the local station and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit are conducting security checks and cybercrime prevention operations to identify the person responsible for a social media post about a possible shooting. The post reportedly began circulating over the weekend.

Police said no formal complaint had been filed, as the threat was detected through online monitoring. Authorities have increased police visibility and foot patrols around school grounds.

Although investigators suspect the post may have been a prank, police warned that threats of violence carry legal consequences and could lead to criminal charges.

Authorities urged the public not to repost unverified information or threatening content and to report suspicious activity directly to the police.

In an appeal to students, the La Trinidad police said officers, local officials and school administrators were working together to protect them, encouraging anyone who feels threatened, witnesses bullying or notices suspicious activity to report it immediately.