Gun threats sent through a private social media account led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man in Bantayan, northern Cebu, after police linked him to messages warning of a shooting at Bantayan National High School-Senior High School.
Personnel of the Bantayan Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect at around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, a day after the school reported the alleged threat.
Police withheld the suspect’s identity and said he is being investigated for Grave Threats and Unjust Vexation in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
A school staff member reported the threat to police at around 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, after the school received messages warning of a possible shooting.
According to police, a student received the messages through a private account using the name “Justin Rodriguez.” The sender allegedly identified a Grade 11 teacher as a target and sent photos of firearms and ammunition.
The sender also allegedly told the recipient to warn the school guard and other students to remain vigilant. The messages further instructed the student to leave the school on Friday morning or skip classes to avoid the supposed shooting.
Investigators interviewed witnesses, documented the messages and examined the social media account. Two student witnesses identified the account as allegedly belonging to the suspect, a resident of Barangay Bantigue.
Police also obtained a message that the suspect allegedly sent to a classmate, in which he admitted creating the dummy account.
Based on the evidence gathered, Bantayan police launched a hot-pursuit operation and arrested the suspect the following day.
Investigators are continuing to examine other online exchanges as they prepare the case.
Bantayan Mayor Alex Layese said his office coordinated with the police and the Department of Education after authorities received the threat on August 19.
The suspect remained in police custody as of Friday, August 21, while investigators completed the documents for the filing of charges. The Bantayan local government said the charges are expected to be filed on Monday, August 24.
Cebu Police Provincial Office Director Police Colonel Abubakar Isang Mangelen Jr. said authorities would continue treating threats against schools seriously.
“The safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel is non-negotiable. We will not take any threat against our schools lightly. Our police personnel are directed to respond immediately, validate every report, and take appropriate action to prevent threats from escalating,” Mangelen said.
Photo courtesy of Bantayan LGU
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