Tacloban school halts classes again over viral shooting threat

TACLOBAN CITY — Just a week after classes resumed following a fatal mass shooting on campus, officials at San Jose National High School (SJNHS) suspended classes Tuesday due to a new threat of violence circulating on social media.

The school announced the 14 July suspension on Facebook, stating the decision was made “for everyone’s safety.”

The viral threat stemmed from a screenshot of a private message sent to a student from an account named “JM Magallanes.” The message threatened a shooting targeting seventh and eighth grade students, naming 11 specific individuals.

The post implied the sender was acting on orders from “Nash,” identified as the younger of the two students involved in a 22 June shooting spree at the school.

Tacloban City Schools Division Superintendent Sherlita Palma said her office immediately coordinated security protocols with the Tacloban City Police Office and the city government.

The city police force deployed additional officers to increase security presence around the school, while local village watchmen, or barangay tanods, were stationed on campus to protect students and staff.

Palma said the Philippine National Police is investigating the source and authenticity of the online threat.

She cited that the identity of those responsible and the veracity of the information have not yet been established.

Students shifted to blended learning as a precautionary measure while law enforcement conducts security assessments.

“This decision was made solely out of an abundance of caution and reflects the division’s firm commitment to prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of learners, teachers and school personnel,” Palma said.

Palma condemned the threat, stating that the division treats such incidents with the utmost seriousness and will work closely with law enforcement to ensure legal processes are followed.