SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: Students in several schools here were sent home on Monday (Aug 24) morning after Mayor Arvin Antipolo received a warning about an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting in the town.
Antipolo confirmed to Inquirer that students were sent home as a precaution following the reported threat.
“We immediately coordinated with the Department of Education(DepEd) to request the temporary suspension of classes in the 20 public and private schools in the municipality,” Antipolo said in a phone interview.
He added: “We also reported the matter to the PNP and barangay officials, who deployed their personnel, as well as to other concerned agencies. We also established an incident command post at the municipal hall.”
A person identified as Jz Rogelio, who described himself as a whistleblower and concerned citizen, sent the warning.
In his message to Antipolo, Rogelio warned that he had received information about an alleged plan by unidentified individuals to attack some schools here on Monday morning or afternoon.
“This is no joke. I am only a concerned citizen. I hope this message reaches you because many people could be at risk," Rogelio said in the message.
Authorities have yet to determine the credibility and source of the information or identify any suspects in connection with the reported threat.
The mayor’s office and other authorities were expected to assess the situation and implement appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of students and school personnel. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
