The Manila Police District (MPD) has confirmed that authorities have developed a lead in their investigation into the online threats of violence directed at several schools in Manila, particularly Araullo High School, as police continue efforts to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
MPD Spokesperson Police Major Philip Ines said the reported threats were immediately referred to the MPD Anti-Cybercrime Unit, which promptly coordinated with Meta to determine the identity of the individual operating the account used to spread the alarming messages.
According to Ines, investigators have already gathered information regarding the person believed to be behind the threats. However, he stressed that the details cannot yet be disclosed to the public to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
"Mabilis po yung ginagawa natin diyan at hindi muna namin iri-reveal yung ating nakuha na information tungkol diyan. Ang mahalaga po diyan, nakikita ninyo yung mabilis nating aksyon," Ines said.
"At sabi ko nga po, hindi pa man po tayo nakakatanggap niyan, katulad po ng binanggit ko sa inyo, meron na rin pong ginawa ang ating ama ng Lungsod ng Maynila tungkol dito para ma-address yung mga ganitong mga insidente," he added.
The police official warned that anyone proven to have disseminated the threats could face criminal charges. He added that if the suspect is found to be a minor, they may still be held accountable under the country's juvenile justice laws, subject to the applicable legal procedures.
Ines also reminded the public that spreading online threats carries serious legal consequences and may constitute violations of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951, depending on the nature of the offense and applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
Earlier, MPD personnel, together with barangay officials, conducted an inspection at Araullo High School in the early hours of the day as part of heightened security measures following the circulation of the threatening posts.
Authorities assured the public that they are treating the incident with urgency and urged individuals to refrain from spreading false or threatening content online, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are capable of tracing those responsible through cyber investigations.
