COTABATO CITY – The Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) on Monday dismissed reports of a shooting at Isulan National High School in Sultan Kudarat, saying the loud blast heard on Sept. 30 was caused by an electrical fault.
PRO-12 Director Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog said police found no fired cartridge cases, bullet marks, firearms or other physical evidence that would indicate a shooting incident.
Citing findings from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Manibog said the noise came from an electrical short circuit involving a deteriorated service-drop wire, which triggered a loud electrical discharge and caused minor fire damage.
“No injuries were reported. Sixteen students reportedly fainted during the momentary commotion, but none sustained injuries,” Manibog said.
He added that BFP personnel found no incendiary materials or suspicious circumstances and recommended that the incident be considered closed, pending the submission of its official investigation report.
Manibog said reports involving school safety are immediately acted upon, but stressed the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions.
He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information on social media, particularly reports involving students and schools, to prevent unnecessary panic and confusion.
