The Department of Justice (DOJ) said existing laws on terrorism and cybercrime may help determine liability among perpetrators in cases where minors are allegedly groomed or manipulated into committing violent acts, including mass casualty incidents, but stressed that the issue remains under careful and sensitive review.
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said at the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearing on Wednesday that while there is no specific Philippine law defining nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), authorities can rely on other statutes depending on the circumstances and evidence.
The issue was raised by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who questioned whether Philippine laws are sufficient to go after individuals allegedly preying on children and grooming them into violence.
“Meron ba tayong any laws at this time that we can use to go after these types of perpetrators and this type of activity, and whether this type of activity is considered a crime under Philippine laws?” Gatchalian said, citing reports that perpetrators exploit vulnerabilities of minors.
Ty noted that prosecutors may pursue charges against perpetrators targeting the youth even without a law directly addressing NVE.
He further cited Republic Act 11930 as one legal remedy in cases where minors are allegedly groomed or manipulated into producing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM).
The DOJ official added that mass casualty incidents may also be examined for possible violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act if investigators establish links to ideological motivations tied to extremist doctrines.
"Halimbawa, may ideology sila na sinundan kasi makikita naman natin na very mixed yung ideology nila at kung ma-trace yung ideology nila to particular terrorist ideologies, pwede natin tingnan kung may labag sa Anti-Terror Act," he explained.
However, Ty stressed that the DOJ is exercising restraint in applying terrorism-related charges, particularly when minors are involved.
“Medyo maingat kami doon dahil malawak ang definition of terrorism, medyo controversial ito,” he said.
“Maingat din kami kung handa bang tatakan ang isang bata na terorista kung sakaling may gawin siyang mass casualty event,” Ty added.
Other legal options include the Cybercrime Prevention Act, although Usec. Ty noted that penalties under the law may be less severe. In some cases, suspects may instead face charges such as multiple murder, similar to the student shooter in Tacloban.
The Senate inquiry follows recent incidents of youth violence, including a school shooting in Tacloban allegedly involving two teenagers aged 14 and 15.
Earlier during the hearing, cybersecurity professional Bret John Morales said perpetrators linked to an online group known as “The Com” allegedly choose “selected targets” and gradually gain victims’ trust by exploiting their weaknesses.
The probe also examined the potential misuse of online platforms, including gaming environments such as Roblox, in facilitating harmful activities involving minors.
