JOKE LANG DAW? La Trinidad school extends online classes until Oct. 30 over alleged prank shooting threat

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The administration of San Jose School of La Trinidad, Inc. – High School Department has extended the suspension of face-to-face classes until October 30 to allow authorities to conduct a security assessment following a shooting threat that was later claimed to be a “prank.”

The threat reportedly circulated online over the weekend, prompting the school to shift to online or at-home learning initially for October 27.

The school administration later announced that online classes would continue until October 30 to give school officials and authorities time to assess campus security and ensure the safety of students and personnel.

Face-to-face classes are scheduled to resume on November 4, while the school’s Family Days activities will be moved to later dates.

In an official statement issued Tuesday, the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station (MPS) said its personnel immediately coordinated with the school after learning of social media posts warning of a possible shooting incident on campus.

Police visibility and patrols around the school have since been increased.

The police are also verifying a subsequent post claiming that the threat was a prank, stressing that threats of violence, whether made seriously or as a joke, may carry legal consequences.

While the investigation is ongoing, the public is urged to refrain from reposting or spreading threatening content and unverified information. Anyone who notices suspicious activity is advised to report it immediately to the La Trinidad MPS at 0927-486-3602.

The police assured the public that their personnel, together with the local government and school officials, are working to protect students and school personnel.

“If you feel threatened, witness bullying, or see anything concerning, please report immediately. You are not alone,” the police statement said.

The La Trinidad local government, through the office of Mayor Roderick Awingan, also reiterated that authorities are taking the threat seriously and that the safety of students and school personnel remains their immediate concern.