Students responsible for threats in schools may face expulsion and criminal charges, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara. During the EdConnect Higher Education EdTech Summit 2026 in Quezon City, he stressed the seriousness of such threats.
A Call for Heightened Security Measures
These are very serious violations. May criminal pa 'yan.
Sonny Angara, Education Secretary
Angara noted recent incidents in Batangas and Quezon City’s Bagong Silangan High School as catalysts for increased safety protocols. He stated that false threats could lead to administrative and criminal liability.
To combat these threats, Angara proposed a range of security enhancements, including:
- Increased police visibility
- More security guards
- Metal detectors
- Perimeter fencing
- CCTV cameras
These measures aim to reassure parents and students following alarming incidents that have recently occurred, including a shooting in Tacloban City and a stabbing in Zamboanga.
Angara highlighted the need for parental involvement, urging them to monitor their children's online activities closely. He warned that some digital platforms may expose children to harmful influences.
The urgency of these measures reflects a broader trend in school safety concerns, prompting the Department of Education to collaborate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for better surveillance of online threats.