Class suspensions extended in Bukidnon amid security concerns

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Due to online threats, the local government unit (LGU) here extended the suspension of face-to-face classes until September 2, amid security concerns.

Mayor Amie Galario extended the suspension of in-person classes across all public and private schools through Executive Order No. 093, Series of 2026, issued on Tuesday.

Face-to-face classes in all levels in public and private schools here were suspended by the LGU since last Monday, as a continued precaution following the deadly school shooting in Zamboanga City on Aug. 18 that claimed the lives of two students, including the shooter.

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READ: Bukidnon’s Valencia City suspends classes as teen held over online threats

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The extension stemmed from a wave of alarming social media posts warning of potential gun and grenade attacks targeting students and faculty members at identified local schools.While the extended break provided some financial relief for households in the city, it also brought concerns over learners’ academic progress.Grace, a 34-year-old mother with children in public elementary and high schools, noted that the shutdown helped her save on daily transportation allowances and meal expenses.However, she admitted she would still prefer regular face-to-face classes for her children’s learning development.The successive days of class suspensions, where schools implemented alternative learning modalities, also heavily impacted small-scale business owners who rely on student foot traffic.Sidewalk vendors stationed near school perimeters, school canteens, and public transport operators—including drivers of motorelas, habal-habal motorcycles, and school utility vehicles—experienced a notable drop in daily income due to the class suspension.

Valencia City has 65 primary and secondary schools under the Department of Education, and there are 37 private educational institutions.

Online threats against schools in the city first surfaced last Saturday, with the police tracing the post to a teenager who is now held by authorities.

READ: Schools in Bukidnon beef up security after online threatsAuthorities have strongly urged the public to rely exclusively on verified information from official channels and to report suspicious activities promptly./coa