Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has called on parents to immediately report any behavioral changes in their children by calling the 911 hotline or seeking help from the nearest police station. This early reporting can help prevent children from being recruited or influenced by extremist groups.
PNP Chief's Statement
In a statement released on Friday, Nartatez emphasized the need for parents to closely monitor their children's online activities. He said, "We need to work together to protect our children from various threats in the online world and guide them to the right path to strengthen their character and become the hope of the nation."
Senator Hontiveros' Revelation
The call comes after Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that individuals suspected of enticing or manipulating minors involved in a shooting incident in Tacloban City may have connections to a transnational online group that targets children to promote violence and extremism.
PNP Investigation
The PNP stated that it is seriously investigating this information to determine if online extremist groups are involved in recruiting minors. Nartatez affirmed that the PNP remains determined to curb the activities of extremist groups that target young people through the internet.
Alignment with National Directives
This initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., under the guidance of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen the protection of minors against online exploitation, radicalization, and other threats to their safety.
