Authorities have clarified that no shooting or hostage-taking incident occurred at Isulan National High School in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday, September 30, following reports of a loud sound that sparked concern in the school.
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu assured the public that no firearm was involved in the incident. According to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, no ammunition was found in the area, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is assessing a possible faulty electrical wiring issue as the source of the sound.
“There was no shooting incident at Isulan National High School,” Mangudadatu said in his public statement, adding that “there are NO reported casualties or injuries.”
School principal Dr. Lorely Anne F. Valencia also denied reports of shooting and hostage-taking, saying authorities immediately responded to ease fears among students and school personnel.
“Wala pong shooting incident, wala rin pong mga hostage taking,” Valencia said, noting that the school was placed under lockdown as a precaution.
She added that the students remained calm and followed safety procedures during the incident, which she attributed partly to a recent school safety drill.
“So as of today, everything is under control, everybody is safe, wala pong casualty,” Valencia said.
The Department of Education–Schools Division of Sultan Kudarat said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and establish what caused the reported sound.
As a precautionary measure, the Local Government Unit of Isulan suspended face-to-face classes for Wednesday afternoon until further notice.
Officials urged parents and the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from authorities, while the assessment and investigation continue.
