NBI nabs suspect in South Cotabato shooting, possible groomer in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended an individual allegedly linked to the fatal school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato and a suspected online groomer in Cebu.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag gave this information to senators on Thursday during a hearing on the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Incidentally, I just want to report that yesterday, we were able to get one of the individuals who is somehow related to what happened in South Cotabato,” Matibag said

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The NBI chief did not provide further details about the individual or specify the nature of the person’s alleged involvement in the incident, but said that their coordination with the school resulted in the arrest.

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The Banga National High School shooting on Sept. 18 left three students dead, including the alleged shooter, and eight others injured.

Suspected groomer in Cebu

Moreover, the NBI director also reported the apprehension of a suspected online groomer in Cebu, saying authorities were coordinating with the National Prosecution Service and the DOJ on the case.

“Probably, by the next coming days, there will be 10 rescue of individuals who belong to that group,” Matibag said.

The disclosures came as Matibag discussed the NBI’s efforts to monitor online threats and possible cyber-related activities linked to violence.

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“We want to be very active on this one,” Matibag said.

He told lawmakers that the NBI needs additional tools and funding to strengthen its capability to track threats in cyberspace and respond to potential attacks. /apl