The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified cyberpatrol operations and is working closely with social media platforms to remove photos and videos linked to the August 18 gun attack at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to coordinate with platform managers to immediately take down content related to the incident, which was livestreamed by the minor suspect. Authorities are taking steps to ensure netizens, especially minors, can no longer access, repost, or share footage and screenshots of the shooting.
“This is an unfortunate incident that should be treated with utmost sensitivity, especially that there were minors involved in the content. Let us all be compassionate over this tragedy and it starts by showing respect and becoming responsible netizens,” Nartatez said.
“We appeal to everyone to refrain from sharing or reposting the videos and photos of the incident. These materials can cause further distress to the victims, their families and the public and may also interfere with the ongoing investigation,” he added.
Following directives from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to safeguard communities, the PNP-ACG and key police units have been tasked with monitoring and reporting sensitive media circulating online.
Police teams were deployed to the campus immediately after the Tuesday morning shooting to conduct a full investigation. A primary focus for investigators is determining how the minor managed to bring two firearms inside the school grounds and understanding the underlying circumstances that led to the attack.
“We have to dig deeper into this matter, especially that this is not the first time that this tragedy happened. Our focus is to check if there’s a pattern or identify intervention measures to prevent the repeat of this kind of incident,” Nartatez said.
Investigators are also addressing responsible gun ownership, with Nartatez emphasizing the need for stricter measures against individuals whose firearms become easily accessible to minors. Additionally, the PNP confirmed it is coordinating with the Department of Education to enhance safety protocols across schools and learning spaces nationwide.