The Philippine National Police urged parents to immediately call 911 or seek help from the nearest police station if they notice signs that their children may be exposed to online radicalization, violent content, or extremist recruitment.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. issued the appeal as authorities investigate possible links between online extremist networks and minors allegedly involved in the recent Tacloban gun attack.
The appeal follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., relayed through DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen measures protecting children from online exploitation, radicalization, and other digital threats.
“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.
“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 added.
The PNP issued the statement after Sen. Risa Hontiveros disclosed that the alleged groomer of the minor suspects in the Tacloban gun attack was supposedly linked to a transnational online group targeting children to promote violence and extremism.
Police said the information is being taken seriously as investigators look into possible online networks that may be recruiting, influencing, or radicalizing minors through digital platforms.
Nartatez said the PNP remains committed to stopping extremist groups that target young people online, particularly those exploiting children’s exposure to violent content and harmful communities.
The police organization earlier expressed support for the Department of Education’s guidance counseling initiatives, saying personnel from the Women and Children Protection Desk may assist minors and families who need intervention.
The PNP noted that every police station has a Women and Children Protection Desk that can respond to concerns involving children’s safety and welfare.
Nartatez also directed concerned police units to strengthen coordination with foreign law enforcement counterparts as part of the continuing investigation into extremist groups allegedly targeting children online.
He assured the public that the PNP will continue monitoring online threats against minors and work with local and international law enforcement agencies to identify those behind the recruitment and radicalization of children through digital platforms.