GenSan student sent to youth facility for alleged online threats

KORONADAL CITY — Police have placed a 15-year-old student under the care of a youth facility on Tuesday after he was linked to an alleged online threat against a school in neighboring General Santos City.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director, said the minor was allegedly behind a Facebook account that sent messages threatening violence against students, teachers, school personnel, and security guards.

The messages also reportedly contained demands involving three students, prompting concern within the school community.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: 2 siblings face charges over online threats vs school in BatangasManibog said cyber patrolling and a digital investigation led them to identify and locate the person allegedly behind the account.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

He noted that police take online threats seriously, particularly those that could cause fear or pose risks in schools.

“Every online threat is serious, especially if it could cause fear and put our schools at risk,” Manibog said in Filipino.Personnel of the General Santos City Police Office’s Police Station 3 and the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 12 conducted the operation at the Barangay Apopong hall at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.The operation was carried out with the assistance of barangay social welfare personnel and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.The student was later referred to Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Sinawal for temporary custody and appropriate intervention. A psychological evaluation was also recommended.Police said the case was being handled cautiously considering his age and welfare while authorities determine the appropriate legal action.

READ: PNP backs 2 Senate-approved child safety bills amid school shootingsSuch an act may fall under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code (Grave Threats) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Manibog said police would continue strengthening cyber patrols to protect students, teachers, and school personnel against online threats./coa