VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A wave of concern over alleged online threats targeting schools has prompted Valencia City officials to suspend face-to-face classes, while police have taken a 15-year-old boy into custody in connection with the social media posts.
The city government announced the suspension as a precaution after threatening messages circulated online warning of supposed gun and grenade attacks at schools in Valencia City and nearby areas.
Mayor Amie Galario issued Executive Order No. 093, Series of 2026, ordering the suspension of face-to-face classes in public and private schools at all levels for Monday, August 24. The order was issued Sunday, August 23, as authorities continued security assessments.
The decision came after threatening posts surfaced on social media on Saturday, August 22. The messages allegedly referred to attacks that could occur during school hours and mentioned secondary-level students and teachers.
15-year-old student placed in police custody
Authorities traced the online activity to a 15-year-old male student from Barangay Lumbo, Valencia City, who was apprehended Saturday evening during a police search-and-locate operation, according to the Inquirer report.
Police reportedly linked the posts to a Facebook account using the name “Ailon Berry.” The account allegedly identified several educational institutions in Bukidnon, including schools in Valencia City and Central Mindanao University in Maramag.
Because the suspect is a minor, authorities have placed him under police custody in coordination with social welfare authorities. His identity should not be publicly disclosed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the teenager have not been established in court.
Why authorities took the threats seriously
The class suspension reflects a growing concern among Philippine schools over threats circulated through social media.
Earlier this month, another school in Bukidnon tightened security after a violent shooting threat was reportedly sent through Facebook Messenger. The threat prompted an emergency lockdown at the Malaybalay City National Science High School, with the message allegedly targeting Grade 7 to Grade 12 students.
Similar incidents have also been reported elsewhere in the country. In June, classes and school activities at Batangas City Integrated High School were suspended after school authorities received an online shooting threat.
These incidents have placed greater pressure on school administrators and law enforcement agencies to quickly verify threatening posts, identify their sources and prevent panic while protecting students and teachers.
Classes to shift to alternative learning
With face-to-face classes suspended, schools in Valencia City have been directed to maintain learning through modular distance learning or other appropriate alternative learning modalities, according to the city government announcement reported by Inquirer.
The suspension will remain in effect until revoked by the local government.
Officials have urged students, parents and teachers to remain vigilant and to avoid unnecessarily sharing unverified screenshots or threatening messages online.
A warning against spreading online threats
The latest incident also highlights how a social media post can rapidly trigger real-world consequences.
Even when an online threat is later determined to be a hoax, authorities may still have to mobilize police personnel, investigate the source, coordinate with schools and local officials, and implement precautionary measures to protect students.
For parents and students, authorities’ response is a reminder to report suspicious or threatening online content directly to school officials or law enforcement rather than amplifying it on social media.
The case remains under investigation as authorities determine the circumstances behind the posts and whether further individuals were involved.
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