PNP cybercrime unit urged: track Ateneo threat poster

By Paulo DS Papa

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group must identify the person behind a social media post threatening the Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School community in Barangay Pacol, Naga City, Mayor Leni Robredo said during a press briefing Tuesday morning, Sept. 15.

A day earlier, a photo of an unidentified type of pistol was posted on social media along with threatening words, including “be prepared.” The post was also reposted by a certain Jay Con with the caption, “Maybe not today, but tomorrow lol.”

The school administration sought police assistance to investigate the post, which it considered a threat to the security of the university community.

Robredo said she had ordered the City Public Safety Office to coordinate with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group in tracking down the person behind the post.

She also instructed the Naga City Police Office to treat the matter seriously, while City Administrator Atty. Noreen San Luis-Lutey directed coordination with schools within the city to ensure appropriate security measures are in place.

Robredo said she did not intend to cause public panic but stressed that the threat should not be taken lightly. She also called for legal action against the person responsible once identified by the police.

Meanwhile, Pacol barangay captain Ruben Limbo expressed concern over the threat against the Jesuit-run school in his jurisdiction.

Limbo said the incident was particularly alarming given reports of school shootings in Leyte and Zamboanga this year. He said the barangay council must act on the matter, noting that it was the first such threat reported in the area.

He said the university had not coordinated with the barangay government regarding the incident, although he considered it part of the barangay's responsibility to help ensure the safety of the school community.

Limbo added that he would deploy barangay law enforcement personnel around the area to assist in security measures both within and outside the school premises.