Senator Risa Hontiveros will lead a Senate inquiry on July 1 into the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and the possible role of online radicalization among children.
The probe follows an earlier Senate hearing that uncovered how online platforms and gaming spaces may be used to groom, manipulate, and radicalize minors into violence.
“Sa July 1, muli nating bubuksan ang pagdinig para alamin kung may papel ang mga online platforms sa pagkalat ng mararahas na ideya. Nagiging pugad ng mga grupong nambe-brainwash at nagra-radicalize sa mga bata,” Hontiveros said.
She added that lawmakers will examine whether online platforms are doing enough to protect children from harmful content and exploitation.
“Kung ginagamit ang internet para biktimahin ang mga bata, dapat may managot. Hindi pwedeng kita lang lagi ang iniisip ng Big Tech habang ang ating mga pamilya at paaralan ay nababalot ng trahedya.”
The senator stressed that action must be taken before another tragedy occurs. “Hindi natin hihintayin na magkaroon ng sunod pang biktima bago kumilos. Dapat makapasok ang bawat bata sa paaralan nang ligtas at makauwi rin nang ligtas sa kanilang pamilya.”
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda said the shooting highlights the need to address youth violence, mental health concerns, and minors’ access to firearms. She said schools should remain safe spaces for learning and growth.
Senator Erwin Tulfo urged authorities to strictly enforce the Anti-Bullying Act, saying the reported bullying angle behind the attack should serve as a wake-up call. He also called for a Senate investigation into possible lapses by school officials and other authorities.
For his part, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri pushed for stricter limits on children’s access to social media and backed a review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
“At the same time, the security issues raised by the Tacloban shooting must be addressed. Kailangang malaman kung paano nakapasok ang baril sa campus, ano ang security gaps and what practical safeguards must be put in place so this will never happen again,” he said.IMT
