Negros Occidental school shifts to remote learning following shooting threat

The Escalante National High School on Monday afternoon shifted to remote learning following a reported threat of a school shooting that circulated on Facebook.

“After an emergency meeting and consultation with the Division Office, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and school administration, this decision has been made to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners and personnel,” the school publication “The Light Bearer” said on Facebook.

According to the post, teachers were directed to provide Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) and other learning materials through online communication platforms.

It added that their school principal, Jesus Tabelino, reminded teachers to be mindful of students who do not have access to mobile phones or the internet and to find alternative ways to reach and support them.

Earlier in the day, concerned parents fetched their children from school after screenshots of an alleged online conversation referencing the recent school shooting in Tacloban City circulated on social media.

A now-deactivated Facebook account shared her nephew’s alleged Messenger conversation with a user named “Jacob,” who hinted that they would bring a weapon to the school.

Police immediately responded to the campus and summoned the students and parents involved as part of an ongoing investigation.

Authorities have yet to determine the authenticity of the screenshots and whether there was a credible threat against the school. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo and Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA News