A college student from Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, was expelled and charged with grave threats under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 after posting firearms online and threatening South East Asian Institute of Technology students in Tupi, South Cotabato, on September 22, 2026.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. ordered the administration of the South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT) to bar the student from re-enrolling. SEAIT was founded and owned by the governor’s family.
Cybercrime Charges Filed in Tupi
The suspect, a college student residing in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, now faces formal charges of grave threats under Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. According to government statements, the student uploaded images of several firearms online on Sept. 22, 2026, accompanied by threats directed at students attending SEAIT in Tupi, South Cotabato.
We have been providing free education, yet he did something wrong in our province. That is why I instructed the school to expel him and not accept him again.
Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., South Cotabato Governor
Governor Tamayo confirmed in an interview with reporters on Thursday that he also spoke directly with the student’s parents, urging them to provide proper guidance to their child following the incident.
Regional Security Context Across Soccsksargen
Police records show that law enforcement agencies have logged over 40 online threats following a shooting incident inside Banga National High School (BNHS) in Banga, South Cotabato, on Sept. 18. That campus shooting resulted in the deaths of three students, including the shooter.
In response to the rising wave of digital intimidation, the Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) established the Special Investigation Task Group-BNHS to accelerate investigations into the Banga high school tragedy. PRO-12 Director Brig.
This should serve as a reminder and warning to all young people and parents that we are serious about this, together with the police and Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) Director Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog.
Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., South Cotabato Governor
Calls for Digital Responsibility
Law enforcement officials emphasized that public restraint on digital platforms is vital to avoiding widespread panic. Manibog urged citizens to exercise caution and immediately report suspicious posts rather than amplifying fear.
I call on the public the public to be responsible in posting anything on social media and cease uploading statements and images that create fear among the people.
Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) Director
Police continue to monitor regional networks while coordinating with local communities and parents to deliver preventative safety lessons.
Keep reading
Judge Orders Trump to Restore Access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico
A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White...
Idaho Cold Case Solves Identity of 1982 Cyanide Suicide Victim
Idaho investigators have identified a man found dead of cyanide poisoning in a Boise church in December 1982...
Trump Administration Defends White House Ban on Three News Organizations
The Trump administration defended its ban on three major news organizations before a Washington courtroom Wednesday, arguing in...
Hochul Leads Blakeman 50-41% in New Siena Poll
Governor Kathy Hochul leads Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman 50% to 41% in a new Siena poll of likely...