CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 17-year-old student who appeared in a viral video allegedly threatening to shoot students at two public schools in the city is now under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office as authorities continue their investigation.

The student, accompanied by his guardian, voluntarily appeared before Police Station 7 in Barangay Bulua on Monday morning, July 27. He was first assessed by the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) before being turned over to the CSWD in accordance with child protection laws.

The viral video, which spread widely over the weekend, mentioned Bulua National High School and Bugo National High School. In the clip, the student allegedly threatened people he claimed were his enemies and challenged soldiers and police officers.

The incident prompted both schools to suspend face-to-face classes as a precautionary measure.

Barangay Bulua officials, led by Barangay Captain Al Legazpi, convened an emergency meeting with law enforcement agencies, while Barangay Captain Spencer Cailing issued a memorandum suspending classes at Bugo National High School.

In a separate video released after the incident, the minor apologized and said the recording was intended only as a joke and was originally shared in a private group chat. He said he did not expect it to be uploaded and circulated on social media.

Following the incident, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy directed Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Director Col. Dexter G. Paje to strengthen security in schools across the city and prioritize the investigation.

Paje instructed Police Station 7 to verify the reported threats and ordered the WCPD to coordinate with the Department of Education–Cagayan de Oro Division and the PNP Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit to trace the source of the online posts and determine possible legal liabilities.

“Statements, posts, or messages that threaten the safety and security of our schools are never a joke. These carry serious legal consequences even if they are later claimed to be made in fun,” Paje said.

Police have also urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activities and reminded the public not to share unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

Authorities said police visibility has been increased around schools across the city to help ensure the safety of students and school personnel while the investigation continues.