AFTER the so-called Tacloban shooting, police have since been receiving reports which tend to depict violence as a norm in public schools, two of which took place in a single day.
In a press release sent by the Department of Education (DepEd) to the media, the agency hinted at blacklisting students who make any form of threat — even as jokes.
According to DepEd, such jokes are classified as a third level offense “because of the grave danger these acts pose to learners, school personnel, and the public.”
“Such acts trigger emergency responses, create panic, disrupt classes, and may also result in criminal liability under existing laws,” reads part of the press release.
The warning came a day after a fake shooting alert spread on Messenger and sent parents rushing to Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City to fetch their children earlier than the supposed end of class.
In Cainta, Rizal, morning classes in Francisco P. Felix Memorial National High School was disrupted after receiving consecutive shooting and bomb threats on social media.
“Fake news, dangerous pranks, and bomb threats are never harmless — they disrupt learning and put others at risk,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Under DepEd Order 006, s. 2026, the department’s guidelines for a safe learning environment that Angara signed in March, bomb threats and bomb jokes rank as third-level offenses, the highest tier. Other acts that count as such are carrying firearms, drug possession, hazing, and homicide.
For bomb threats or jokes, first-time offenders will be allowed to finish the school year but would no longer be eligible for readmission.
A second offense will merit expulsion.
The department order also covers disinformation — sharing any kind of “fake news” or carrying out pranks that stir confusion on campus or disrupt class count will be classified as a minor offense.
A first offense draws a written reprimand and notice to parents; a second office leads to a parental summons; a third, suspension of up to five school days with alternative learning arrangements.
The order requires due process before any penalty. Students will first be given a written notice and 10 days to answer with a parent or counsel, and 15 days to appeal.
DepEd told students to think before posting or sharing anything online, and asked parents, teachers, and school officials to help keep campuses safe.