Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said law enforcement authorities are verifying information about individuals allegedly “mentoring” and grooming children who play online games for possible recruitment into groups that could encourage them to commit violent or terrorist acts.
Vida said authorities are pursuing leads involving individuals who allegedly engage children through group chats particularly those who show interest in violent games.
“We’re confirming information na mentor. Alam nyo yung minementor yung mga bata?, Vida said in a chance interview.
“Tine-text sila tapos parang meron silang kinukonsult na okay ba itong ginawa ko? Ano ba itong gagawin ko? So we’re pursuing those aspects,” he added.
Vida said authorities are looking into reports that children who spend significant time playing violent games may be targeted and recruited through group chats.
“Pag nakita kasi na may flags, na ganon yung bata, nagbababad sa ganong violent games, yung mga nagta-target sa kanila, and nire-recruit sila sa groups chats, tapos yon na nagsisimula,” he said.
The Justice secretary said law enforcement agencies are already pursuing the leads, but declined to provide details because the investigation remains ongoing.
“Pero heavy na ang mga law enforcement agencies on this, we’re pursuing all these leads,” Vida said.
Vida also said the Aug. 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University could potentially be considered a terrorist act by citing the element of creating fear among the public.
“On the aspect of it being a terrorist act, definitely. Nakikita naman, because the purpose of terrorism is to sow fear, diba, in the general population,” he said.
“So, pag nakita nyo, that element of creating fear on the public, it’s present, no?” he added.
Vida said the DOJ’s field office is ready to act on any complaint that may be filed following the ongoing law enforcement investigation.
The Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting left two students dead, including the Grade 9 student who allegedly opened fire before taking his own life, while two others were injured.#