Batangas high school suspends classes until further notice after mass shooting threat
All classes and on-site school activities at a public high school in Batangas were suspended beginning Monday, June 29, after the school allegedly received threats of a mass shooting.
"In view of the reported shooting threats involving Batangas City Integrated High School, all classes and on-site school activities are suspended," the school announced in a statement released late Sunday, June 28, via the Region IV-A Schools Division of Batangas City. The suspension will continue "until further notice."
According to the school, the precautionary measure was being carried out for the protection of all learners, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, and other members of the school community.
"Everyone is advised not to enter or proceed to the school premises while the suspension remains in effect," the BCIHS statement continued.
BCIHS has assured that it is in close coordination with law enforcement authorities. The integrated high school would share updates about the resumption of classes "as soon as the situation has been properly assessed and the safety of the school community has been ensured."
The institution urged the public to "remain calm," avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official announcements from them. It also asked its community to stay alert and report suspicious messages, accounts, or activities either to the school officials or the proper authorities.
The alleged shooting threat is the fourth reported incident related to violence involving school children in a span of one week.
On June 22, a deadly shooting incident took place in San Jose National High School in Tacloban, where two minors, 15 and 14, went from classroom to classroom shooting at students and teachers. Three students were killed while several others were injured.
Both suspects were arrested on the same day of the shooting. The 15-year-old, who police have found to have "acted with discernment," is facing a criminal complaint. Along with his 14-year-old accomplice, he will undergo an intervention program carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The next day, a 17-year-old Grade 10 student stabbed a Grade 9 student in San Carlos City, Negros, outside school premises. Police reported the victim was injured in the lower right side of his abdomen and was immediately brought to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was arrested shortly after the attack.
On June 25, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police intercepted a planned shooting and stabbing attack against Tolosa National High School in Leyte.
