Authorities are investigating a viral post about strangers reportedly approaching students in schools and claiming to be their relatives.
Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting Que confirmed that an immediate meeting was called with the Philippine National Police (PNP), parents, and teachers to discuss the incident and speak directly with the three children and their parents.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the incidents allegedly occurred both inside and outside Tuguegarao Northeast Central School.
One student recounted that a man wearing a hood and mask approached her, offered candy, and claimed to be a relative of her parents, while another student was given candy while riding a tricycle. The third child has yet to be interviewed.
Authorities are now working to determine the exact location of the incidents and whether CCTV footage can help identify the individual described by the children.
Mayor Que urged the public not to panic, as the stranger’s true intentions remain unclear, noting that only candy was given so far.
She also advised parents to remind their children not to trust or go with strangers.