LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Quezon National High School (QNHS) was rattled on the morning of March 5, 2026, after receiving a bomb threat message on its official Facebook page. Reports indicate that the same message was also sent to other social media pages associated with the school, causing concern among students, faculty, and parents.

Authorities quickly clarified that the threat did not come from any legitimate source. Quezon 2nd District Board Member Doc. Kim Tan publicly stated that a fake account using his name had sent the alarming messages. In a Facebook post, Tan emphasized, “This is not my official social media account. The messages claiming to be from me are from a fake account.”

The incident prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the dummy account and ensure the safety of QNHS students and staff. Tan assured the public that the authorities are taking the matter seriously, stating, “We will not let this pass unaddressed.”

While the school community was spared any physical harm, the incident highlights the growing vulnerability of institutions to online hoaxes and misinformation. Fake accounts and social media impersonation can create panic, disrupt learning, and divert public resources, all without any physical threat. As schools increasingly rely on social media for communication, this episode raises a pressing question: In a digital age where online deception can cause real-world fear, are schools doing enough to safeguard students and staff from virtual threats?

(Larawan mula sa: Radyo Pilipinas Lucena, Doc Kim / Facebook)