The Philippine National Police (PNP) has blocked two websites identified as potentially exposing Filipino children to online content linked to “real-world violence,” as authorities step up efforts to prevent harmful online influences on young people.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson PCol. Allen Rae Co said the blocking was carried out with the assistance of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). He said authorities expect more websites to be blocked as monitoring continues.
Co said the websites were not publicly identified but were flagged for content that could encourage or influence users toward real-world violence.
“The response was positive, meron na pong mga blinock na ibang website,” Co said.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of the influence of violent and harmful online content on young people following recent school shooting incidents.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said investigators found that the South Cotabato school shooting suspect had been exposed to content and online groups associated with what authorities described as the dark web. Authorities are also investigating a separate school shooting in Zamboanga, where the suspect allegedly livestreamed the incident.
Meanwhile, newly appointed PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group director PMGen. Andre P. Dizon called for increased vigilance against potential threats of violence in schools.
Dizon made the appeal following incidents in which Police Regional Office 12 personnel responded to reports involving two students who allegedly posted photos showing them holding firearms. Authorities later found that the students did not have the weapons when police arrived.
Dizon said such incidents divert law enforcement resources, particularly when reports turn out to be pranks or misleading social media posts.
“Nakakalungkot nga po na-focus yung effort ng ating law enforcement agencies sa bagay na ’yan. So nadadivert po yung mga resources natin na ang kalimitan naman ay walang katutuhanan. So it's a waste of resources sa part of government,” Dizon said.
The PNP said it will continue coordinating with relevant government agencies and monitoring online activities as part of efforts to prevent threats and violence involving children and schools.
