Education Secretary Sonny Angara has warned that students found responsible for making threats against schools may face expulsion, suspension, or dismissal, aside from possible criminal charges.
Speaking on the sidelines of the EdConnect Higher Education EdTech Summit 2026 in Quezon City, Angara said the Department of Education is treating every reported school threat seriously following recent incidents in Batangas and at Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City.
Angara said no threat should be taken lightly, stressing that the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel must never be put at risk.
He said those behind false threats may be held administratively and criminally liable, describing such acts as serious violations.
The Education chief said enhanced security measures are expected to help prevent similar incidents in schools, including increased police visibility, additional security guards, metal detectors, perimeter fencing, and closed-circuit television cameras.
Asked whether the recent cases may be connected, Angara said DepEd has sought the help of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
He admitted that DepEd does not have the capability to monitor online groups that may be targeting or recruiting children.
According to Angara, DepEd recently received a briefing indicating that some online groups are actively recruiting minors through various digital platforms.
He also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities and screen time, warning that young people may unknowingly be communicating with individuals with harmful intentions.
Angara’s remarks came after several incidents involving schools, including the fatal shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City, a stabbing incident in Zamboanga City, and a false online threat that caused panic at Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City.