Several schools in Cagayan de Oro City suspended classes on Monday, July 27, 2026, after online shooting threats circulated on social media and caused alarm among residents.

Firearms laid out on the floor with bullets placed beside them, including a gun loaded with ammunition, were among the videos that went viral on social media.

The videos allegedly showed firearms being held by a group of minor students who threatened to carry out a shooting at various schools in the city.

The post, along with several screenshots of chats containing the alleged threats, quickly spread on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and caused fear and alarm among residents.

Up to five schools were reportedly mentioned as possible targets where the armed individuals allegedly planned to carry out the shooting.

As a result, authorities were alerted immediately and launched an investigation into the post.

Some officials from the affected barangays also expressed their concerns.

One of the schools that suspended classes immediately was Bulua National High School.

“Ngayon pa-igitingin pa natin ang seguridad ng school lalo na sa AOR ko at ng Cagayan de Oro yan ang sabi ng City Director ngayon kasi nagviviral po. Siguro ginamit nila ang social media para maraming views siguro pero ang gawin natin ngayon conductan natin ng thorough investigation,” Bulua Police Station Chief, Major Rutherford Ondin, said.

Barangay Bulua Chairman Al Legaspi Jr. assured the public that security measures will be strengthened, including increased police visibility and stricter inspection procedures for students before entering school premises.

“Muhatag gyud ta og pagtagad dinhi police visibility unya before musulod ang mga estudyante balik gyud ta magcheck gyud ta sa ilang mga bags kay dili pwede nga atong pasagdan kay likay gyud ta mas maayo man gud prevention is better than cure,” Legaspi said.

The Kauswagan National High School, which was also among the schools mentioned in the threat, also suspended classes to ensure the safety of its students.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy immediately ordered authorities to investigate and addressed the alleged threat targeting schools.

“Ato gyud gipaningkamutan ug gilikayan nga dili gyud mahitabo dinhi sa atong dakbayan kung unsa ang nahitabo sa laing lugar busa sa pagpaningkamot ni PCOL Dexter Paje uban sa iyang mga sakop sa kadagkuan sa pulis sa atong dakbayan katung batan-on nga gikan sa Bulua na karon gidala didto sa Lumbia gipahigayon sa mga imbestigasyon,” Uy said.

Meanwhile, one of the minor students who allegedly made the threats uploaded a video where he claimed that his threat was only intended as a joke.

The student, considered as a child in conflict with the law (CICL), surrendered to the police station.

“Kato siya joke ra to siya guys amoa ra to kabuangan sa among circle of friends, like kaning mga walay buot lang gyud ba. Wala ko nag-expect nga mukalat siya, so guys palihog ko stop og (pakalat) guys kay basin adunay mahitabo sa akoa guys ba,” the CICL said in the video.

Ondin said authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged threats to identify and file charges against those responsible.

“This time this is not a joke that’s why we will conduct a thorough investigation we will tap the cybercrime office natin, mag-conduct talaga para makasuhan tung mga taong to,” Ondin said.

LANAO DEL NORTE SCHOOL THREAT

Meanwhile, after receiving similar threats, the Sapad Municipal Police Station in Lanao del Norte took action immediately.

Police personnel were deployed to the schools. They coordinated with teachers to ensure the safety and security of students and school personnel.