MANILA, Philippines — Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval on Wednesday asked the deployment of lawmen and investigators following viral posts about a killing spree set to occur at a national high school.
As a result, Sandoval approved the recommendation of the local peace and order cluster and city police to allow the students as well personnel of the Malabon National High School (MNHS) to go home to ensure their safety amid the threats.
At present, lawmen remain deployed within and around the school premises to maintain security while a thorough investigation into the spreading alleged threat continues, City Administrator Alex Rosete told The Manila Times.
“We appeal to the public to remain calm, refrain from sharing unverified information, and rely solely on official announcements,” Rosete said.
Local authorities quickly responded after viral posts on Facebook by one ‘Bella Asx’ said that a killing spree was about to happen at MNHS which would involve students from Grades 7 to 12.
“We would start shooting students by 2:30 p.m. We don’t mind if we would be arrested,” the post said in Filipino.
The city government assured the public that anyone found responsible would be held accountable and made to face the full force of the law.
“The safety of our students remains the foremost priority,” Sandoval said.
