The Philippine National Police (PNP) is calling on parents to immediately report unusual behavioral changes among children, warning that early intervention may help prevent minors from being exposed to or recruited by extremist groups operating online.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said parents should closely monitor their children’s online activity and seek help through emergency and police channels when necessary.
“We call on parents to closely monitor the online activities of their children. Our 911 is also a help line for the necessary intervention as a result of overexposure to online violence and other online activities,” Nartatez said in a statement Friday.
He added that parents and authorities must work together to protect minors from online threats that may influence their behavior and development.
“Let us work together to shield them from various online threats and guide them to a path that would strengthen their character and achieve their goal as the hope and future of our country,” he said.
The appeal followed a disclosure from Senator Risa Hontiveros, who said the alleged groomer of minor suspects in the Tacloban gun attack was reportedly linked to a transnational online group involved in promoting violence and extremism among children.
The PNP said it is treating the information seriously as investigators continue to examine possible links between extremist networks and the recruitment of minors online.
Authorities also said the directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instruction, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen safeguards against online exploitation, radicalization, and other threats affecting children.
The police force reiterated its support for the Department of Education’s guidance counseling program, noting that Women and Children Protection Desks in all police stations remain available to assist concerned families.
Nartatez has also ordered concerned units to intensify coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies as part of ongoing investigations into transnational extremist activity.
Photo courtesy of REUTERS
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