PNP sounds alarm over online posts of students carrying firearms

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police urged the public to use social media responsibly following separate incidents in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato involving students and alleged firearm-related online posts.

“Let this be a reminder that social media is not a place to make threats or create fear,” said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

“Kahit online ginawa ang isang post, hindi ibig sabihin na wala itong epekto sa totoong buhay,” he added.

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(“Just because a post was made online, it doesn’t mean it has no real-life impact.”)

READ: Sultan Kudarat cops question 13-year-old over school threats

In Sultan Kudarat, a 13-year-old student was brought for counseling after a teacher reported Facebook posts allegedly threatening a shooting at Kapingkong National High School and containing images of firearms.

Police continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned agencies.

In South Cotabato, police arrested an 18-year-old student on Sunday after receiving a report about social media posts showing a firearm.

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Authorities are preparing a complaint for alleged alarm and scandal to the appropriate prosecutor’s office.

READ: 2 minors, 18-year-old nabbed for online threats in South Cotabato

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Parents, schools, and communities are urged to teach young people responsible online behavior and the consequences of posting threats.

Nartatez said, “We will take credible reports seriously, verify the facts, and respond accordingly.”

“At the same time, we will uphold due process and ensure that cases, especially those involving minors, are handled with the proper care,” he added.

The PNP reminded the public to avoid sharing unverified threats and to report credible public safety concerns.

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Following the deadly school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato last week, a lawmaker renewed his push seeking to require platforms to obtain congressional franchises before operating in the Philippines amid concerns over online content, school safety and youth violence./coa