Three minors involved in separate school threat and violence-related incidents in Cebu will undergo intervention and counseling after Governor Pamela Baricuatro chose a rehabilitative approach instead of immediate punitive action.
The Cebu Provincial Government held a dialogue on Monday, July 13, with the minors, their parents, and members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council to discuss the circumstances behind the incidents and determine appropriate interventions.
Baricuatro said authorities must recognize the seriousness of the minors’ actions while also providing them an opportunity to reform.
“We cannot take this sitting down,” the governor told the minors, emphasizing that their actions affected students, families, and the community.
She clarified, however, that the meeting was not intended to shame or reprimand them.
“However, wala mo gipaari aron kasab-an. Gusto ko mahibawo nganong nabuhat to ninyo ug unsay akong matabang aron dili nani mausab,” Baricuatro said.
During the dialogue, the three minors and their parents apologized for the fear and disruption caused by the incidents.
Two of the minors, aged 12 and 13 and both from Talisay City, were identified by police as those responsible for separate online threats posted on Facebook pages linked to two schools.
The threats led to the suspension of classes at Talisay City Elementary School and Talisay City National High School on July 6 after a Facebook account using the name “Zane Bacalso” warned about bringing a firearm to school and posted messages implying harm to students.
The posts were later deleted, while police secured the campuses and launched an investigation.
During the dialogue, the two boys admitted that they copied content circulating on social media following reports about the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City.
One of the minors said he posted the threat because he was unprepared for an examination and hoped it would result in the suspension of classes.
“Gisunod ra nako akong nakita sa social media,” the minor said.
The third case involved a 17-year-old from Carcar City who allegedly confronted fellow students while carrying a bladed weapon.
The teenager told the governor that he brought the weapon after allegedly experiencing repeated bullying, claiming he had previously been kicked and punched by other students before deciding to retaliate.
Barangay tanods intervened before any violence occurred and turned him over to police.
The parents of the minors also acknowledged that their work commitments affected their ability to closely monitor their children’s activities, including social media use and interactions outside the home.
Baricuatro reminded parents that providing financial support should be accompanied by guidance, supervision, and open communication with their children.
She also urged minors to be more critical of content they encounter online, warning that social media may spread misinformation and normalize violent behavior.
“Mga Dodong, dili tanang makita ninyo sa social media tinuod. Daghan kaayong misinformation diha, ug ako mismo biktima ana,” she said.
Following the dialogue, the provincial government endorsed the three minors to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for intervention and counseling.
The program aims to help the minors address their behavior and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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