Police confirm student responsible for La Salle Green Hills security threat
The Philippine National Police has confirmed that it was a student who was behind the security concern at La Salle Green Hills, which had prompted the university cancel their face-to-face classes and switch to online.
In an interview with the media, Mandaluyong City police chief Col. Reynan Patam said that the said the student posted on Facebook that they were a "shooter."
Their classmates subsequently saw the post and reached out to their parents, who in turn alerted school officials.
In response to the threat, La Salle Green Hills said that they have decided to shift all classes to online modality on Thursday, Aug. 27.
"The school is pursuing available leads, and the matter remains under investigation," they assured in a statement. "All concerned offices acted immediately upon receiving the report, and we remain fully mobilized."
"The school remains vigilant and has enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of the school upon the return of our students. Proper authorities, including the PNP and local barangay officials, are on-site assisting us and will continue to support us until after our students return to school," they continued.
The institution implored the public to refrain from reposting images and releasing unverified information, as any further updates will be communicated through their official school platforms only.
Meanwhile, Patam said that police officers will be deployed to secure the school campus once La Salle Greenhills resumes their face-to-face classes.
Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr. also said that they have now sought the assistance of the Eastern District Anti-Cybercrime Team to verify the veracity and authenticity of the reported online threat.
"The EPD likewise directed the Mandaluyong City Police Station to undertake proactive measures, strengthen police visibility, and maintain heightened police presence in and around the school premises, in coordination with school security personnel and local authorities," he said.
"The EPD assures the public that the situation is being closely monitored and that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, school personnel, and the entire academic community in the Metro East," he added.
The incident is the latest in a series of fatal school shootings and threats across the Philippines. Recent incidents include an August 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as well as a June attack in Tacloban in which two minors killed three teenagers and wounded 20 others.