Police avert potential school violence after GenSan student posts online threat

COTABATO CITY – Police in General Santos City rescued a 15-year-old male student for allegedly posting online threats against an academic institution on Tuesday, police said.

Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, direcctor of Police Regional Office -Soccsksargen (PRO-12), on Wednesday said personnel of General Santos City Police Station 3 and operatives from Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 (RACU-12) conducted a rescue operation at 4:30 p.m. at the Barangay Hall of Apopong.

Manibog said barangay social welfare personnel and the City Social Welfare and Development Office assisted in the operation.

The minor was reportedly the owner of a social media account that sent messages threatening violence against students, teachers, school personnel, and security guards, as well as demands involving three students.

“The messages prompted serious concern within the school community,” Manibog said in a report.

Manibog added that with a quick police response and intensified cyber patrolling and digital investigation, police personnel determined the account owner's identity and location.

The minor was referred to Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City for temporary custody and appropriate intervention.

Manibog said the police have recommended a psychological evaluation and intervention for the child.

The child was accompanied by his parents during a dialogue among village officials, police, a social welfare worker, and a Department of Education representative.

The police director emphasized that the incident is being handled with due regard for the minor's welfare and rights, while following the appropriate legal procedures.

Manibog said the alleged act may constitute a violation of Article 282 (Grave Threats) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, subject to proper assessment by the competent authorities.

Also on Tuesday, the Tupi municipal police station in South Cotabato province invited a man for questioning to shed light on reports of an alarming social media post involving firearms in Barangay Poblacion on Sept. 20.

Following the investigation, a complaint for Alarm and Scandal under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, was filed against alias Roby with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.

The mobile phone recovered during the operation is also set to undergo technical examination by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 to help extract and preserve relevant digital evidence.

Manibog emphasized the importance of immediate reporting and responsible social media use to prevent unnecessary alarm within the community.

“We urge everyone to be responsible when using the social media platform and never post anything that would alarm peace-loving communities,” he said. Philippine News Agency