The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to stop sharing videos, photos, and online posts related to recent school violence incidents in Tacloban City and Cavite, warning that the viral spread of such content deepens the trauma of victims, families, and students.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are investigating the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, as well as separate stabbing incidents at Cavite National High School and Bethel Academy of General Trias in Cavite over the past week.
Nartatez said the police response follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen learner protection, improve school safety, and promote responsible conduct both online and offline.
“The reckless circulation of graphic videos depicting these school tragedies is not just a digital nuisance; it is a profound act of cruelty that re-victimizes survivors and forces grieving families to relive their worst nightmares repeatedly,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said the appeal applies not only to graphic videos but also to images and posts that may reveal the identities of children involved in the incidents. He stressed that child protection and privacy standards must be upheld as investigations continue.
“We urge the public, especially content creators and social media users, to stop the cycle of trauma by deleting and refusing to share these videos, as your desire for online engagement should never come at the cost of human dignity or the sanctity of an ongoing police investigation,” he said.
Nartatez said children affected by the incidents, especially the victims, must be protected from public judgment, online harassment, and unnecessary exposure.
“Children caught in these incidents, especially the victims, deserve protection and support. They should not be subjected to public judgment, online harassment, or unnecessary exposure at a time when they and their families are already dealing with trauma,” he said.
He directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and other concerned police units to monitor the online spread of graphic content and coordinate with social media platforms for possible removal or restriction.
Local police units were also instructed to hold dialogues with school officials, parents, and student leaders on campus safety and responsible social media use.
Nartatez said the recent incidents should lead to a broader discussion on digital responsibility and the need for a more humane response to children affected by violence.
“We ask the public and the media to refrain from sharing identifying photos or personal details of the children involved. Let us respond with urgency, compassion, and respect for human rights. Protecting our children means protecting their dignity even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said.
The PNP said it will continue to work with schools and local communities to strengthen police visibility around campuses, improve coordination with school administrators, and prevent violence in learning environments.