CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Cagayan de Oro lawmakers are pushing for stronger school safety measures after a viral social media post containing alleged shooting threats forced the suspension of classes in several schools on July 27.
The suspensions followed the circulation of a video over the weekend showing a minor allegedly threatening Bulua National High School and Bugo National High School, triggering concern among students, parents, and school officials.
During Monday's regular session, Councilor Imee Rose Moreno urged government agencies to closely monitor the welfare of children, particularly those struggling with depression and other mental health issues.
Moreno said the incident, which the minor later claimed was only a joke, should prompt authorities to strengthen efforts to prevent school violence.
"Welfare sa mga bata ang atoang priority," Moreno said, stressing that threats or acts promoting violence should never be taken lightly.
Councilor Maximo Rodriguez Jr. announced that the City Council will hold a committee hearing on Aug. 5 to discuss ways to improve school security and address school-based violence.
Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies will be invited to attend.
"Kita diri sa Cagayan de Oro, katong weekend nahitabo gyud, akong kulbaan gyud basin tinud-on na gyud. This is not a joke, this is very alarming and it is a heinous crime," Rodriguez said.
He added that violent behaviour among children may point to deeper problems at home, underscoring the need for both law enforcement and social intervention.
Among the proposals to be discussed are increasing police visibility around schools and assigning psychologists to every public school to provide mental health support for students.
Police said the minor voluntarily appeared at Police Station 7 on Monday with his guardians and was later turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) for appropriate intervention.
