49 minors rounded up for cyber threats – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-nine minors have been rounded up in the past months for instigating cyber threats that disrupted school classes.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the minors were “rescued,” as the PNP beefed up its monitoring of online threats on school campuses.

“These interventions show the value of timely information sharing and close coordination,” Nartatez said at a news briefing in Camp Crame.

There have been several school shootings perpetrated by disgruntled students, resulting in casualties and injuries among their schoolmates. The latest was a shooting in Banga, South Cotabato last Sept. 18 where three students, including the perpetrator, died.

By working with school authorities, local government units and other stakeholders, Nartatez said police units can assist in maintaining a safe environment for students, teachers and school personnel.

“Schools should be among the safest institutions or places for our children, which is why our police are present there,” he said.

In General Santos City, two students were apprehended for their threatening messages on a Facebook Messenger group chat on Saturday.

The suspects, known only as San and Henry, were apprehended after they exchanged messages in the online chat group accompanied by photographs of a firearm.

Nartatez said law enforcement operations are ongoing against online groomers who are manipulating youngsters to commit crimes.

“Our efforts are continuing. We have accounted for these personalities,” he said.