The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that shifting to online classes is not the solution for students following a string of reports of violence in schools nationwide.

Amid growing concern from parents due to consecutive incidents of violence in schools across the country, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said schools cannot immediately transition to an online learning setup.

"In some schools it exists but it's not something that is readily available. Alam niyo naman yung state of internet infrastructure natin at siyempre yung ibang magulang hindi rin kaya na bantayan."

(You know the state of our internet infrastructure, and of course some parents also cannot afford to monitor it.)

According to Secretary Angara, internet connectivity and access to technology remain a challenge for many Filipino families. 

He also said the state of the country's internet infrastructure is not yet fully ready, and some parents would also not be able to support this kind of setup.

Instead, the secretary emphasized that DepEd is focusing on strengthening security in schools. This will be done through greater police presence, additional security guards, CCTV installation, and other safety protocols to ensure the security of students while face-to-face classes continue.

"So nagka-several meetings na kami with PNP, with DSWD, sa first aid aspect, etc. Pero itong mga threats kailangan talaga seryosohin kasi kung totoo yan, we cannot risk, hindi natin puwede i-risk na magpasukan talaga. So siniseryoso natin lahat ng mga threats na ganoon."

(So we have had several meetings with the PNP, with the DSWD, on the first aid aspect, etc. But these threats really need to be taken seriously because if that is true, we cannot risk it, we cannot risk having students go to school. So we are taking all threats like that seriously.)

On July 2, a school in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City was disturbed following an alleged security threat that caused fear among students and teachers. 

An alleged shooting and a wounded teacher were also reported in the incident, which immediately caused concern among the public.

However, in a statement released by the Quezon City Police District, initial investigation showed that the noise came from a nearby construction site, and students merely assumed it was gunfire.

Police confirmed that no shooting incident occurred and that no injuries or any untoward incident at the school were recorded. They said it was simply a fake threat against the school.

Because of this, the Department of Education once again reminded the public that this kind of spreading of false information is not to be taken lightly, and warned that penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so.

According to DepEd, students who are proven to be behind the making or spreading of school threats may face suspension, expulsion, or dismissal, as well as a possible criminal case, depending on the severity of the violation.

Meanwhile, the agency also reported that it is coordinating with the PNP and the DICT to investigate whether a person or group is behind the string of school violence incidents.