Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to identify and report social media accounts that are spreading sensitive images and videos from the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
The PNP is coordinating with social media platforms to have copies of the livestream and other footage taken at the crime scene removed, citing concerns over the emotional impact on victims’ families and the possible effect on the ongoing investigation.
Nartatez said the move is not intended merely to make the police investigation easier but to protect the community, particularly students, from potentially harmful material.
“Hindi naman para sa amin ito to make our work easier but this is intended such that our community is safe, our children especially in school presence or dito na sa community,” Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP is implementing programs in response to the recent school-related incidents, including the July 16 shooting in Tacloban City and the latest incident in Zamboanga.
The PNP’s directive comes after reports that the Grade 8 student who allegedly carried out the Ateneo shooting livestreamed the incident not only on Facebook but also on a website known as “Watch People Die,” where graphic content is reportedly posted.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are also looking into the possibility that the student may have been influenced or radicalized online. Investigators are reportedly examining chat messages and communications connected to the student’s use of the online gaming platform Roblox.
Authorities are also assessing whether the online material may have contributed to the incident or could provide information relevant to determining the student’s motive.
The Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting is among at least 50 school-related incidents involving minors recorded since June 16, according to PNP data. The cases include 26 bomb threats, 12 shooting threats, four stabbing incidents, four cases of illegal firearm possession, two actual shooting incidents, and two death threats.
The figures underscore continuing concerns over school safety following the mass shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City in June, where three people were killed and around 20 others were injured.
The PNP said it will continue coordinating with social media platforms and other concerned agencies to remove sensitive crime-scene material, protect affected families and students, and support the ongoing investigation into the Ateneo shooting.
