Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged the public to immediately report any threats or discussions involving planned violence through the Unified 911 emergency hotline, following the swift action of authorities on an alleged threat against students of Tolosa National High School in Tolosa, Leyte.

The prompt reporting and rapid response of law enforcement helped prevent a potential incident, allowing authorities to immediately assess and neutralize the threat.

“Ito po ay panawagan ko sa lahat ng mga netizens natin. Kung may makita po kayo na kahit anong threat, or imminent threat, or chatter sa mga group discussions, na mayroong gustong gawing mass shooting or violence to be inflicted, please call 911 and inform (us) right away,” Remulla said.

Authorities acted swiftly after a threatening social media post circulated online warning of a possible shooting or stabbing incident at the school, causing concern among students, parents, school personnel, and the wider community.

Based on the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the post was traced to a 14-year-old Grade 10 student of the same school who allegedly created multiple social media accounts to spread the threatening message directed at Tolosa National High School. Authorities later declared the threat neutralized after finding no evidence of an organized plot, accomplices, or access to firearms.

Remulla stressed that all reports of possible violence must be treated seriously, regardless of whether they ultimately prove credible.

“Any threat is considered live until it is neutralized,” he said.

“Basta may makita kayong kahit konti man na babala na meron mangyayaring karumal-dumal, magsabi kayo kaagad. Tumawag kayo sa 911, sabihin n’yo kung ano ang nakita ninyo para maimbestigahan kaagad,” he added.

The DILG chief noted that the recent school shooting in Tacloban may have influenced the situation in Tolosa, underscoring the importance of vigilance and early reporting.

“It [Unified 911] will go a long way in stopping a repeat of what happened last Monday,” Remulla said.

He likewise thanked Senator Bam Aquino for promptly alerting authorities about the reported threat, enabling law enforcement to immediately verify the information and take appropriate action.