Police in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato acted on separate incidents involving alarming social media posts and potential threats to public safety on Sept. 20 and 21.
In Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, police averted a reported threat against Kapingkong National High School after a teacher reported messages threatening a shooting at about 1:20 a.m. Sept. 21.
Police identified a 13-year-old student as the alleged source of the Facebook posts. One post contained a threat to carry out a shooting at the school, while another included a photo of a long firearm and another shooting threat.
Police, together with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and barangay officials, brought the minor to the barangay hall with a guardian for intervention and counseling.
Meanwhile, in Tupi, South Cotabato, police arrested an 18-year-old student after he allegedly posted a photo showing him holding a firearm.
The Tupi Municipal Police Station received the report at about 10:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and subsequently traced and arrested the student.
Police said the student allegedly used the Facebook account “Mj Sulaiman.” Officers recovered a cellphone believed to have been used to make the post.
The cellphone will be submitted to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 for digital forensic examination.
Police are preparing a complaint for Alarm and Scandal in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The Philippine National Police reminded social media users to post responsibly and consider the potential consequences of alarming online content.
