Cops arrest suspects over viral gun-wielding school threat in Sultan Kudarat

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Police in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, have located and rescued the minors involved in a viral video showing individuals brandishing a handgun and threatening schools, while also apprehending the adults who participated in the incident, authorities said Sunday.

The Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS) said the operation was carried out through "swift action" and "close coordination" with Barangay Villamor officials.

“Police operatives successfully located and rescued the minors involved, while individuals of legal age who participated in the act were likewise apprehended,” the Esperanza MPS said in a social media post.

The video showed individuals brandishing a handgun while making threats against Esperanza National High School and other educational institutions in the municipality.

Police said the minors were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper custody, psychological evaluation, and intervention and rehabilitation programs, in compliance with the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

“The rescued minors have been turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper custody, psychological evaluation, and mandatory intervention and rehabilitation programs,” the police said.

“While juvenile welfare laws safeguard the rights of minors, the PNP stresses that actions carry real consequences,” it added.

The adults arrested in connection with the incident will face appropriate charges, police said.

The Esperanza MPS also said other threats circulating online were being validated by its intelligence and cybercrime operatives.

“Please be assured that other circulating threats are currently undergoing thorough validation by our intelligence and cybercrime operatives,” it said.

Police urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s daily activities, online behaviour, and emotional well-being. They also reminded parents to ensure that firearms and other weapons are kept inaccessible to minors.

Authorities warned the public, particularly young people, against making threats against schools, even as a joke.

“Brandishing firearms and making threats against schools, whether intended as a joke, for social media clout, or out of impulse, causes severe public panic and carries serious legal repercussions,” the Esperanza MPS said.

Police said they would maintain a heightened presence, conduct regular patrols, and coordinate security measures with schools to ensure peace, order, and public safety in the municipality. — MCG. GMA News