The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading fabricated threats against schools, following a recent increase in reported incidents.

Speaking at Camp Crame, acting PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said authorities have observed a rise in school threat reports, noting that some may have been made to avoid attending classes or taking examinations.

"We noticed there is an increase of threats that are being done. Some are just trying to avoid going to school or maybe 'yung mag-take ng exam," Co said.

Despite this, the PNP said it is not ruling out the possibility that some of the recent incidents, including cases involving students found in possession of weapons, may be connected.

"We would not like to make premature judgements or conclusions but could be [connected]," Co added, noting that the matter is also being discussed in the Senate.

The PNP assured the public that authorities continue to investigate the incidents while maintaining security measures in schools.