Classes at Bagong Silangan High School in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, were briefly disrupted on Thursday, July 2, 2026, after students mistook loud construction noise for gunfire. The incident prompted a police response to verify reports of an alleged shooting, which later turned out to be false.
Police Investigation Confirms False Alarm
In a statement, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said that posts circulating on Facebook claiming a shooting had occurred inside the school were unfounded following an on-site investigation. Personnel from the Payatas Bagong Silangan Police Station (PS 13), led by station commander Lieutenant Colonel Rowena Amata, were attending a scheduled meeting with school officials around 9 a.m. when they heard a loud commotion coming from the second floor of the school building. They immediately proceeded to the area to assess the situation.
Construction Noise Triggered Panic
The investigation found that students had reacted to a loud banging sound from a nearby construction site, which many initially believed was a gunshot. Police later confirmed that no shooting had taken place and that the noise originated from ongoing construction activities outside the school. Authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control, with no injuries or other untoward incidents reported. Normal school activities resumed after police cleared the area.
QCPD Urges Caution on Social Media
The QCPD also urged the public to exercise caution before sharing information on social media, warning that unverified reports could unnecessarily alarm the public and spread misinformation. According to police, the false alarm underscores the importance of verifying facts before posting online to prevent panic and disruption.
