Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a directive to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to launch a comprehensive investigation into an alleged mass shooting threat targeting a private educational institution within the city. This urgent action follows the City Government's alert regarding a social media post that circulated on Thursday, March 12, 2026, claiming a potential mass shooting at the school.
Immediate Security Measures Implemented
In response to the alarming threat, Mayor Gasataya emphasized that authorities swiftly secured the affected area to prevent any potential harm. The school administration, prioritizing the safety of its community, made the prudent decision to temporarily suspend face-to-face classes and transition to online learning platforms. This move aimed to protect students, teachers, and staff from any possible danger while the situation was being assessed.
Coordinated Police Response and Investigation
Mayor Gasataya confirmed that he is in direct coordination with BCPO officer-in-charge Colonel Eugene Rebadomia to oversee the investigation. To bolster security and maintain public order, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and additional police units have been deployed around the school campus. These measures are designed to ensure a visible police presence and deter any malicious activities.
The mayor further disclosed that the matter has been escalated to the PNP Cybercrime Unit for a thorough digital investigation. Investigative leads are being actively pursued to trace the origin of the threatening social media post. Additionally, closed-circuit television systems on the campus have been inspected and verified as operational, providing crucial footage to aid in the ongoing probe.
Public Reassurance and Legal Consequences
In a firm statement, Mayor Gasataya warned that individuals responsible for issuing or disseminating such threats will face severe legal repercussions. "Anyone responsible for issuing or spreading threats that sow fear and endanger our people will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The safety of our students, educators, and families in Bacolod City is absolute," he asserted.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, as this could exacerbate panic and hinder the investigation. The mayor's call for vigilance underscores the importance of community cooperation in maintaining security.
School's Response and False Threat Confirmation
Major Eugene Tolentino, commander of Police Station 2, provided details on the incident, noting that the social media post emerged on Thursday morning. It falsely claimed that a mass shooting would occur at the school due to the resumption of face-to-face classes. The post was promptly reported to the police, who responded around 7:30 a.m. to assess the situation.
In a Facebook update, the school principal addressed the community, confirming that classes resumed on March 13, 2026, after the threat was investigated and deemed false. The principal assured parents and stakeholders that all necessary steps had been taken to evaluate the threat and safeguard everyone on campus. "We want to assure you that everything is under control, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone," the statement read.
This incident highlights the critical role of swift law enforcement action and community resilience in addressing potential security threats in educational settings.
