By Tracy Cabrera
Based on information received from General Santos City, local police authorities here have sent a GenSan student to a youth facility for alleged online threats amid another shooting incident in a school in Banga, South Cotabato.
Police placed the 15-year-old student under the care of social workers after he allegedly issued online threats against a school in General Santos City.
The minor was traced by the authorities through cyber patrolling and digital investigation.
According to Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director Brigadier General Alan Manibog, the minor was allegedly behind a Facebook account that sent messages threatening violence against students, teachers, school personnel and security guards.
The messages also reportedly contained demands involving three students, prompting concern within the school community.
Manibog assured that a thorough investigation is being conducted even as he noted that the police take online threats seriously, particularly those that could cause fear or pose risks in schools.
“Every online threat is serious, especially if it could cause fear and put our schools at risk,” he pointed out.
On confirming the alleged threats posted online by the minor, personnel of the General Santos City Police Office’s Police Station 3 and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 conducted an operation at the Barangay Apopong hall.
The operation was carried out with the assistance of barangay social welfare personnel and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
The student was later referred to Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Sinawal for temporary custody and appropriate intervention. A psychological evaluation was also recommended.
Police said the case was being handled cautiously considering his age and welfare while authorities determine the appropriate legal action.
