The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating whether an alleged transnational online extremist network influenced two minors linked to the Tacloban City gun attack.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said police have intensified cyber patrols and monitoring of online platforms following reports that the minors may have been exposed to an alleged “adult groomer” connected to the so-called “764 Network.”
The group has been described in a Senate hearing as a transnational online network allegedly involved in promoting violence and exploiting minors.
Nartatez said the PNP is giving equal attention to cyberspace as part of efforts to protect children from online exploitation, radicalization, and violent content.
“The service and protection that we in the PNP have committed to provide extend beyond our streets and communities. We are now giving equal focus on cyberspace through close monitoring and intense cyber patrolling,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief issued the statement after Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed during a Senate hearing that the alleged groomer of the minor suspects was supposedly connected to the “764 Network.”
Nartatez said the PNP would coordinate with foreign law enforcement agencies to determine the scope of the group’s operations and identify the people behind it.
“The PNP will coordinate with foreign law enforcement agencies to determine the extent of the group’s operations and identify the individuals behind it,” he said.
Investigators will also look into whether Filipinos are involved in the alleged network and whether other minors in the country may have been targeted.
“Our personnel will also look into the possible involvement of Filipinos in this group as well as their supposed target victims,” Nartatez said.
The two minor suspects are currently under the supervision of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth.
Nartatez said the investigation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to conduct a thorough probe into the Tacloban shooting and determine whether organized criminal or extremist groups played a role in the incident.