Pagadian ramps up campus security even after fake online threat

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of Education (DepEd) Pagadian City Division has ordered a permanent tightening of campus security across the locality following an alleged online threat against local schools.

 Dr. Danny Cordova, DepEd Pagadian City Schools Division Superintendent, confirmed that on Wednesday evening, he received a report regarding a threat posted by a dummy social media account from Norberta National High School in Barangay Buenavista.

He said the fake post warned students to avoid class on Thursday or they will be killed, adding that the alleged threat was intended to cause panic.

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READ: 3 minors charged over online threats targeting Angeles City schools

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In response to the incident—and citing similar recurring school threat trends recently observed in Zamboanga, Banga, and Tacloban—the division superintendent has directed all campuses under his jurisdiction to institute immediately stricter, long-term security protocols.

“Tightened security measures are being implemented in all schools—not just today, but permanently from here on out,” Cordova stated.

Under the new directives, private vehicles are no longer allowed inside school premises without a valid gate pass. Those allowed will be thoroughly checked.

On emergency active shooter protocols, school heads have been instructed to operationalize active shooter and emergency response systems tailored to community-level threats to prevent any potential violence on campus.

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Aside from inspecting students’ bags upon entering schools, Cordova said they coordinated with local police and other authorities to ensure school perimeters are secure.

READ: Pampanga solon seeks charges vs minors behind school attack threats

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Highlighting the “role of community” approach, Cordova instructed all school principals to convene emergency meetings with parents to address two critical areas.

The first is for parents who own firearms, who are strongly urged to store them securely and ensure they remain entirely inaccessible to children.

The second is for parents to limit and monitor their children’s smartphone usage and social media exposure.

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Cordova said their interventions also include addressing the mental health condition of students./coa