A 13-year-old Grade 8 student in Sultan Kudarat was located by police after allegedly posting online threats about carrying out a shooting at his own school, prompting authorities to intervene before any violence occurred.
The student, who attends Kapingkong National High School in Lambayong, allegedly posted photos of firearms on social media early Monday, September 21. One post reportedly threatened that he would shoot at the school the following day, while another allegedly warned that no one would be left alive.
A teacher who saw the posts immediately reported them to police and provided screenshots. Authorities then coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and went to the student’s residence, where they informed his parents about the alleged threats.
The student was subsequently brought to the barangay hall together with his guardian for clarification. Police explained the possible consequences of making threats that could create fear and disrupt public safety, while a school representative discussed the potential impact on his academic status.
The minor and his guardian are also set to undergo counseling through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
Police have not said that the student actually possessed a firearm or had the capability to carry out the threatened attack. Authorities are treating the posts as a serious public-safety concern while the circumstances surrounding them are investigated.
The case is part of a series of recent incidents involving students who allegedly posted firearms, threats or violent material online.
In Tupi, South Cotabato, an 18-year-old student was questioned after authorities received a report about a social media post showing a person holding a firearm. Police said they were preparing an alarm and scandal complaint.
Authorities in Surallah, South Cotabato, also sought two 16-year-old students over an alleged online school-shooting threat. Police traced the account and the students’ location, while coordinating with social welfare authorities because the suspects are minors.
The incidents have prompted the PNP to intensify attention on online activity that could potentially lead to real-world violence. Police said the Anti-Cybercrime Group has been monitoring websites and online communities allegedly promoting violence and grooming minors, with the National Telecommunications Commission ordering internet service providers to block access to two identified websites.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has urged the public to report credible threats while warning that online posts can have consequences in the real world. At the same time, he said cases involving minors should be handled with due process and appropriate safeguards.
The Sultan Kudarat case remains under investigation, with social welfare authorities involved because of the student’s age.
What began as a post on social media has now triggered a police response, a school-safety investigation and counseling intervention — highlighting how quickly an alleged online threat can become a real-world public-safety issue.
