Esperanza minors involved in online threat taken to MSWDO for counseling

Minors who were involved in the viral video showing individuals wielding a handgun and issuing online threats were taken in by the Esperanza Municipal Police Station and sent to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper custody.

According to the Esperanza MPS, "The incident regarding the viral video showing individuals wielding a handgun and issuing online threats directed at Esperanza National High School and other educational institutions in the said municipality has been addressed in accordance with the law, under the leadership and guidance of Hon. Charles Frederick R. Ploteña, Municipal Mayor."

"Please be assured that other circulating threats are currently undergoing thorough validation by our intelligence and cybercrime operatives," the Esperanza MPS stated. The police accredited the successfully locating and rescuing of the minors involved through swift action and close coordination with the Barangay Officials of Barangay Villamor. The police added that individuals of legal age who participated in the act were likewise apprehended.

"In strict compliance with Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act), the rescued minors have been turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper custody, psychological evaluation, and mandatory intervention and rehabilitation programs."

"While juvenile welfare laws safeguard the rights of minors, the PNP stresses that actions carry real consequences. Adult suspects involved will face the full weight of the law, while the ongoing legal procedures and intervention programs for minors will ensure appropriate accountability to address the severity of the act and prevent any recurrence," the Esperanza MPS stated.

Mayor Junjun Ploteña said, "Sa lahat ng mga Batang Esperanza, Linggo man ngayon ay aayusin namin ang inyong kaligtasan. Kasama ang ating Municipal Police Station, sisiguraduhin namin na ligtas ang mga Estudyante. Huwag po kayo mag panic."

"Magtulungan tayong lahat na dapat ang mga paaralan ay ligtas, masaya at importanteng lugar para sa mga mag aaral," he furthered.