DepEd lauds PNP efforts vs. hoax threats in public schools

In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara commended the PNP for its swift action to uphold the safety and well-being of learners, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Salamat sa PNP at sa ating security sector sa mabilis na pag-aksyon para matukoy at mapanagot ang mga nagpapakalat ng online threat sa ating mga paaralan (We thank the PNP and our security sector for the immediate response to determine and hold liable those spreading school threats online),” he said.

He underscored the need for a whole-of-community approach to combat such disruptive activities.

“Hindi natin dapat payagan na maabala ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan dahil sa mga maling biro o pananakot (We must not allow the disruption of education among our learners just because of inappropriate jokes or threats),” Angara said.

“Kailangan natin ang tulong ng bawat magulang, guro, at buong pamayanan upang gabayan at protektahan ang ating mga mag-aaral (We need the help of each parent, teacher, and the entire community to guide and protect our learners).”

Those behind school threat hoaxes are expected to face legal and administrative penalties under campus safety policies. It is in adherence with the prohibitions under Article 282 (Grave Threats) of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree No. 1727 or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, and DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).

Under the ESMLE, bomb threats and bomb jokes are classified as third-level offenses due to the grave risk to safety and learning continuity.

The first infraction results in non-readmission and referral to appropriate government interventions, while a second one carries the penalty of exclusion, referral to the proper authorities, and necessary interventions.

Moreover, the spread of false reports or fake news is classified as a first-level offense, resulting in a written reprimand, official parent conferences, or administrative measures.

The PNP has been conducting operations in several provinces, prompting criminal proceedings.

These include an inquest proceeding involving seven 15-year-old learners before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, following a social media post of a violence threat against learners at Tinajero National High School Annex in Magalang, Pampanga.

An 18-year-old suspect was also arrested in Jaen, Nueva Ecija, for circulating online bomb threats against multiple public and private schools in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

Another 18-year-old learner was apprehended after admittingly posting a hoax threat, which was intended to suspend classes at San Felipe Integrated School in Nueva Ecija.

Besides these, at least 16 digital devices were seized from a woman in Barangay Paradahan 1, following an online threat aimed at a school in Tanza, Cavite.

The confiscated items under police warrant will be subject to examination in connection with violations of Article 282 (Grave Threats) of the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. — Stephanie Sevillano (PNA)