NATION

Police trace fake threat to Tacloban SPED learner

Elmer Recuerdo · Jul 23, 2026, 12:31 PM

Fresh from taking the witness stand in the impeachment trial, newly installed NBI regional director in Eastern Visayas Atty. Jeremy Lotoc led the assessment of security protocols at the Sto. Niño SPED Center which became the latest victim of threat. In the photo, Lotoc is with school principal Lorena Bonifacio and two members of faculty after the conduct of security assessment. — Sto. Niño SPED Center

TACLOBAN CITY — A Grade 6 learner and his guardian have been referred for counseling and disciplinary intervention after the child admitted sending a fake online threat against his own school, authorities said.

The learner from Sto. Niño SPED Center was identified through an investigation by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Unit.

According to the Tacloban City Police Office, the pupil admitted creating a Facebook account under the name "William Velasco," sending a threatening message to his own account, taking a screenshot, and sharing it with a classmate.

A teacher reported the incident to the police, prompting investigators to coordinate with school officials to validate the report and gather evidence.

School principal Lorena Bonifacio also sought assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation regional office to assess and strengthen the school's security protocols.

Newly installed NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc led the security assessment to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Police later classified the incident as a false alarm, saying investigators found no actual threat against the school or its community.

The TCPO reminded the public that making false threats online is a serious offense and warned that those who use fake or anonymous online accounts to spread public alarm can be identified and held accountable under the law.