Cebu school placed under heightened security after shooting threat

Marcos Jelo Apolinario

Classes at Cebu Eastern College (CEC) in Cebu City continued under heightened security on Thursday, July 2, after authorities responded to a shooting threat that circulated on social media, prompting an immediate police operation to secure the campus.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said authorities initially received information about a possible bomb threat but later confirmed that the incident involved a reported shooting threat posted on Facebook.

Law enforcement agencies immediately coordinated with school officials to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students. 

Police, including personnel from the Carbon Police Station 5, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and other emergency responders, were deployed to the school shortly after the report surfaced. 

Officers inspected the campus, conducted bag inspections, and temporarily restricted students from leaving the premises while security checks were underway.

Authorities later reported that no explosives, firearms, or other suspicious items were found during the inspection. 

Police maintained presence on campus even after the inspection was completed as a precautionary measure.

The school also advised students and parents to remain calm and await official updates from the administration and authorities.

Officials allowed classes to resume while maintaining an increased security presence after clearing the campus. 

In a statement, the private institution assured students, parents, and employees that they were closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies and had activated its safety protocols in response to the threat.

According to reports, authorities recovered a screenshot allegedly showing a Facebook account bearing the name “Sanzu” preparing to post a message threatening a shooting targeting freshmen in a Facebook group.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the post and determine whether criminal charges may be filed. 

Archival appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring that the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel remains the city’s top priority.

He urged residents to avoid sharing unverified information and instead follow official advisories issued by authorities as the investigation continues. 

The incident comes just days after the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which heightened public concern over school safety nationwide.