Dagupan suspends classes over online threats targeting schools

Classes in several schools in Dagupan City were suspended on Friday, July 24, 2026, after the Schools Division Office (SDO) received online security threats targeting three schools, prompting authorities to investigate and shift students to modular learning.

Many students had already arrived at school when they were told to return home following the suspension of classes.

Rhea Mae Dela Cruz, a student, said she and her classmates were stopped before entering the school grounds.

"Parating pa lang sa school, sabi umuwi na kami. Walang pasok," she said.

(We were already near the school when we were told to go home. There were no classes.)

Grade 11 student Judney Muyon said he was already inside his classroom waiting for classes to begin when their teacher instructed them to go home.

"Takot na rin po sila. Siyempre kasi 'yung nangyari dati sa isang school. Sabi lang po sa amin may mga banta raw sa school kaya uuwi na kami," he said.

(They were also scared, especially because of what happened previously at another school. We were only told that there were reported threats against the school, so we were sent home.)

The Dagupan City Schools Division Office said it ordered the suspension after receiving online threats against three schools on Thursday night. Officials declined to identify the schools while the investigation is ongoing.

"Kagabi nakatanggap ng pagbabanta ang tatlong school, pero hindi na namin papangalanan ang mga school. Basta may mga pagbabanta po sa mga school," Annaliza Chan, assistant schools division superintendent of SDO Dagupan City, said.

(Last night, three schools received threats, but we will no longer identify the schools. We can only say that there were threats against the schools.)

The SDO has coordinated with the Dagupan City local government and the Dagupan City Police Office to investigate the source of the online threats.

Authorities are working to identify those responsible, while students will temporarily shift to modular learning to ensure their safety.

"Modular muna ang mga mag-aaral para sa safety ng mga bata," Chan said.

(Students will temporarily shift to modular learning for the safety of the children.)

As of posting, the Dagupan City Police had yet to release an official statement as the investigation into the incident continued. —GMA Regional TV News