Police confirm no shooting happened at Isulan high school in Sultan Kudarat

COTABATO CITY – The Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) on Monday put to rest reports of alleged shooting at Isulan National High School in Sultan Kudarat.

PRO-12 Director Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, in an interview with reporters, said the loud blast that briefly alarmed students and school personnel on Sept. 30 was traced to an electrical fault and not caused by gunfire.

Manibog said police found no fired cartridge cases, bullet marks, firearm or other physical evidence indicative of a shooting incident.

Citing a report from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Manibog said the loud noise was caused by an electrical short circuit involving a deteriorated service-drop wire, which produced a loud electrical discharge and caused limited fire damage in the area.

“No injuries were reported. Sixteen students reportedly fainted during the momentary commotion, but none sustained injuries,” Manibog said.

He added that BFP personnel also found no incendiary materials or other suspicious circumstances and recommended that the incident be considered closed, pending submission of its official investigation report.

Manibog emphasized that reports involving school safety are acted on immediately, while facts are carefully verified before conclusions are drawn.

“Whenever we receive such a report, we immediately respond to ensure the safety of our students, teachers and school personnel. Along with a swift response, careful validation is also crucial to determine the true cause of the incident and provide the public with accurate and verified information,” he said.

He urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media to prevent misunderstanding and chaos, especially if it involves learners.

-Philippine News Agency