BACOLOD CITY — The city government is coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to identify the source of an alleged threat at Bacolod City College (BCC) on Wednesday.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said a note containing an alleged threat was discovered inside a school restroom and was immediately reported to authorities by the school administration.
The school then immediately dismissed classes to allow authorities to inspect the facilities.
The BCPO deployed personnel to secure the premises, initiated an investigation, and met with school officials regarding the matter.
To give the BCPO and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) time to conduct comprehensive security briefings and an emergency protocol symposium for faculty and staff, BCC shifted all classes online on Thursday.
Gasataya assured the public that all necessary measures are in place to keep the BCC community safe.
Police Capt. Peter John Ramos, head of Police Station 6, said the handwritten note targeted teachers and students over alleged bullying.
However, the lack of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras may make it challenging for authorities to identify the person behind the note.
Ramos said the school has already implemented intensified security measures for people entering and leaving the premises.
Additional police personnel were also deployed to ensure the safety of students and staff, with augmentation from the city government.
Ramos said police treat all alleged threats as serious matters that should be investigated.
The latest incident follows an alleged security threat at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City on Monday.
Last month, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) also reported an alleged threat after a live round of ammunition and a note threatening bullies were found inside its Senior High School Building.
A public high school in Bacolod City also reported a security threat that month.
Gasataya stressed that educational institutions must remain safe havens for the youth.
“We stand resolute in our duty to protect our educational institutions, ensuring they remain secure environments for learning,” the mayor said in a statement. (Glazyl M. Jopson via tdg photo by tdg)