Authorities probe reported school shooting threat in Cebu City

Authorities are investigating a reported shooting threat posted on social media that prompted heightened security measures at a private school in Cebu City on Thursday.

In a statement, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said authorities initially received a report of a bomb threat but later verified that the incident involved a reported shooting threat circulated through a Facebook post.

“Our law enforcement agencies, together with the concerned school officials, immediately activated security measures, and an investigation is now ongoing,” Archival said.

The mayor urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official advisories from authorities.

Earlier in the day, students were seen leaving the school after the reported threat circulated online.

According to police, the school immediately implemented its security protocols and threat assessment procedures to determine the source and credibility of the reported threat.

Meanwhile, Cebu Eastern College assured students, parents, and employees that everyone on campus is safe.

In a statement, the school said it is working closely with law enforcement and emergency response agencies as authorities continue investigating the incident. It added that it has strengthened its security protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community.

“The Administration wishes to assure the families of our students, employees, and all stakeholders that everyone within the institution is safe and secure. The safety and security of our community remain our highest priority,” it said.

The school also thanked responding agencies, including the SWAT team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Carbon Police Station 5, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU), and barangay responders for their immediate response.

The incident comes days after a deadly shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City, which has prompted schools and authorities across the country to tighten security measures amid heightened concerns over campus safety. --VAL/VBL, GMA News