SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Students in schools across the municipality of San Antonio were sent home Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, after the mayor received a security threat warning of an alleged “mass shooting” at one of the town’s schools.

San Antonio Mayor Arvin Rolly Antipolo said he received the message at about 8:48 a.m. from a person identified as Jz Rogelio, who claimed to be a whistleblower and concerned citizen.

“Hindi po ito biro. Isa po akong concerned citizen lamang. Sana po ay makarating ang message ko sa inyo dahil marami po ang mapapahamak,” the message said.

In response, the local government immediately implemented precautionary measures at all schools in the municipality, ordering students and school personnel to go home.

Antipolo also urged parents to pick up their children from school. Students were required to log in as part of the monitoring measures implemented by authorities.

Law enforcement personnel, including members of the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, barangay officials and other concerned agencies were deployed to schools to ensure the safety of students, teachers and personnel.

At about 10:45 a.m., all school facilities were declared cleared after authorities conducted security checks and assessments.

Antipolo also called an emergency meeting to discuss the incident and determine the necessary measures in response to similar security threats.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio police and the local government are verifying the message and investigating whether there was an actual threat or a planned attack against the schools. (Reports from Marti Dumaguing and Mitch Santos for Ang Pahayagan)

📸San Antonio Public Information Office