The Department of Justice (DOJ) is backing efforts to criminalize grooming as authorities investigate whether the practice may have played a role in recent school shooting incidents.
According to Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato, Secretary Fredderick Vida had consulted experts and that there was already a finding that grooming plays a part in some incidents.
“The Secretary, without identifying or zeroing in on any incident, has listened to experts and there is already a finding that grooming plays a part in some incidents,” Dato said.
He said authorities, however, are still determining how widespread the practice is and verifying the information gathered as part of the preliminary investigation.
“But as to how widespread or how factual that is, then it’s part of the preliminary investigation,” Dato said.
Vida earlier disclosed that law enforcement agencies were pursuing leads involving individuals allegedly “mentoring” and grooming children who play online games, particularly those showing interest in violent games, for possible recruitment into groups that could encourage violent or terrorist acts.
With this, Dato said the DOJ is actively supporting Senate deliberations on a proposed measure that would criminalize grooming.
“The Department is actively supporting or participating in deliberations in the Senate committee headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros,” he said.
He said the Senate committee on women, children and gender equality is looking into possibly adopting a law that would criminalize grooming.
The DOJ’s position comes amid investigations into the recent school shooting incidents in Tacloban City and at Ateneo de Zamboanga University where authorities are also examining possible online influences on minors.#