Cops locate 3 persons in viral gun video threat in Sultan Kudarat

COTABATO CITY— Police have located three persons seen in a viral video showing them handling an alleged firearm, but they note that the footage was recorded more than two months before it circulated on social media.

The video was recorded on July 11, 2026, during a birthday gathering in Barangay Villamor, Esperanza, Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO-12), said Sunday evening.

He said it began circulating on Messenger on Sept. 19, shortly after a shooting incident in Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, that claimed three lives and wounded six others, triggering concern among residents.

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READ: South Cotabato school shooting kills 3, hurts 6

Manibog said the video was not connected to or intended as a threat related to the recent Banga school shooting incident.

Two minors, both students of Esperanza National High School, were brought to the Esperanza Municipal Police Station by their parents. The adult seen in the video was also brought to the station for investigation.

Police are still tracing a person identified only by the alias “Mikeng” and are also still trying to locate the firearm shown in the video.

The video showed a Messenger conversation of a student warning learners of different schools in Esperanza about an alleged plan to shoot inside campuses.

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Manibog urged the public to remain calm and verify information before sharing viral posts involving firearms.

“It is important to know the whole context of the video before making conclusions and sharing this on social media,” Manibog said.

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He said police would continue investigating to determine where the firearm came from and where it is now.

“Our objective is to ensure public safety and make sure that all our responses are within the bounds of the law,” Manibog said./coa