MANILA — Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu clarified that there was no school shooting in the province on Wednesday, after loud sounds were mistaken for gunshots at a campus.
“We would like to clearly assure the public that THERE WAS NO SHOOTING INCIDENT at Isulan National High School,” Mangudadatu said in a Facebook post.
“The reported loud sound was not caused by a firearm and was likely due to faulty electrical wiring,” he added.
The sounds rang out at around 10 a.m., sending students and teachers running and hiding in classrooms.
The school was immediately put on lockdown, while some parents were seen waiting outside.
Following police inspection of the school, Mangudadatu said “no ammunition was found in the area.”
“Nagpapasalamat din kami sa nangyaring drill noong September 18 na kung saan ang lahat ng mga bata ay alert, hindi sila nag-panic; [kundi nagsagawa ng] lockdown,” the school principal said.
“Lahat po ng mga classroom ay nakasarado at naka-lock. Kahit po ang mga pulis ay hindi nakapasok at makapagtanong dahil naka-lock ang mga classroom.”
The governor said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was checking the possible electrical wiring issue.
“There are NO reported casualties or injuries. The safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel remains our highest priority, and appropriate safety protocols were immediately implemented,” he added.
He assured parents that the situation was “under control” and urged them to “remain calm and rely only on official and verified information from the concerned authorities.”
Three incidents of school shootings in Leyte, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato this year have left a total of eight dead.
Marcos: School shootings ‘unacceptable’
Banga shooting 'groomer' still being hunted — DILG
School safety drills were conducted across the Philippines this month to strengthen security.
PNP eyes nationwide rollout of school alert system