Minor arrested over online threats targeting Bukidnon schools

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON, Philippines — Authorities arrested a 15-year-old boy suspected of circulating social media threats warning of gun and grenade attacks targeting public and private secondary schools in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on Monday, August 24.

Former city mayor Jose Galario Jr., who is now spokesperson of the Valencia City local government, announced around 7:51 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, via social media, that the suspect, a minor, is now under police custody.

The swift arrest follows heightened security concerns across the city after online threats and viral videos surfaced showing violent student altercations near local campuses.

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Acting on direct instructions from Mayor Amie Galario, the Valencia City Police Station—led by Police Lt. Col. Brian Panganiban—along with local peacekeeping forces, launched an immediate investigation and search operation.

READ: PLDT shuts out sites streaming school shootings, violence

Panganiban confirmed that the minor was rescued and taken into custody following the operation, which also addressed a recorded video of a student brawl.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office has intervened to ensure that disciplinary and intervention measures appropriately address the gravity of the offenses while upholding the child’s rights.

While law enforcement continues to track down other individuals seen in the footage from neighboring barangays, city officials emphasize that ongoing monitoring, increased community cooperation, and strict executive directives are in place to curb violent student behavior and guarantee campus safety. /cb