Probe underway for source of online shooting hoax in Quezon City
MANILA, Philippines — False online reports of a shooting sent parents rushing to Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City, Thursday morning, July 2, to pull their children out of class.
The Quezon City Police District and the Bagong Silangan High School issued separate statements Thursday afternoon clarifying that no shooting, stabbing, or security breach occurred on the campus located in Barangay Bagong Silangan.
"The alarming messages circulating on Messenger regarding an alleged threat to our students are false and are currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities," Bagong Silangan High School said.
Students had mistaken nearby construction noise for gunfire, according to Quezon City police.
"Early this morning, a malicious wave of disinformation spread rapidly online, causing understandable fear and anxiety among parents and guardians, many of whom rushed to the school to fetch their children," the school said in its statement.
"We categorically affirm that no untoward incident or security breach occurred within the school premises. The campus remained secure throughout the day, and school operations were affected only by the panic and confusion brought about by the circulation of false information," it added.
According to police, personnel from the Payatas Bagong Silangan Police Station were already at the school for a scheduled meeting with administrators around 9 a.m. when they heard a loud commotion on the second floor.
"Police verification confirmed that the sound came from ongoing construction activities in the area and that no shooting incident occurred," the QCPD stated, adding that normal school activities resumed after the campus was declared safe and under control. No injuries were reported.
While school officials confirmed that all students, faculty, and staff were safe and unharmed, they acknowledged the emotional toll the scare took on the community.
Guidance counselors and teachers are currently providing psychosocial support to affected students dealing with distress and anxiety from the incident, according to Bagong Silangan High School.
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