Philippine police review school security protocols following multiple threats

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a comprehensive review of response protocols for school threats following a series of incidents across the country. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive after several universities in Metro Manila, including the University of Santo Tomas, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and De La Salle University, were forced to evacuate or suspend classes due to emailed and handwritten threats.

In La Trinidad, Benguet, authorities have intensified security around educational institutions, including the San Jose School of La Trinidad, following online threats of a possible shooting. Local officials and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit are investigating the credibility of these social media posts. While investigators suspect some threats may be pranks, police have increased patrols and warned that such actions carry serious legal consequences.

The PNP review aims to determine if the recent wave of threats, which also reached a public school in Laguna, are connected or part of a wider pattern. Gen. Nartatez emphasized that every threat must be treated with urgency to ensure the safety of students and personnel.