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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Are online games being used to indoctrinate youth into violence? PNP urges parents to check kids' activities

Are online games being used to indoctrinate youth into violence? PNP urges parents to check kids' activities

Published Mar 16, 2026 02:02 pm
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, March 16, urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities in online gaming platforms following reports that some virtual communities are being used to expose minors to violent extremist ideas.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said gaming spaces meant for entertainment and social interaction can also be exploited by malicious actors targeting young users.
“We have to work together to ensure that our children will not be encouraged to violate the law by committing violence and other illegal activities that some people or groups may ask them to do. We've seen it in other countries, and we are working to ensure it doesn't take root here,” he said.
The warning came after the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) rescued seven minor students who were allegedly being recruited online to carry out acts of violence.
Police said the operation began after authorities received intelligence information from foreign law enforcement partners about suspicious activity inside an online gaming community.
According to the PNP-ACG, the minors had been playing virtual reality games and interacting with foreign players through in-game communication systems. The recruitment and psychological influence reportedly occurred through chat groups and discussions on gaming platforms.
Investigators said some conversations encouraged violent acts such as assaults and mass shootings. Other messages allegedly suggested that participants should commit suicide after carrying out the attacks.
Police also found discussions in which several mass murderers and mass shooters were being idolized within the group’s discussions.
“We have been monitoring these and mapping out ways to protect the minors from any encouragement to commit violence and other illegal activities. Terminally online ang ating kabataan ngayon kaya ang banta ay laging naririyan at hindi natin minamaliit,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief directed the ACG to intensify monitoring of online gaming communities and chat platforms where extremist recruiters may attempt to contact minors.
He also ordered closer coordination with gaming platform developers to quickly flag and remove suspicious accounts.
The PNP also said it was studying whether existing laws are enough to address threats emerging from online platforms.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said parents remain the first line of defense as he urged them to monitor their children’s digital lives.
“Maging 'digital guardians' po tayo. Huwag nating iwan ang mga bata na sila lang ang kausap ng screen. Alamin ninyo kung sino ang kalaro nila (Let us be digital guardians. Do not leave children alone with only a screen to talk to. Know who they are playing with),” he said.
“Gaming is a social space. If you wouldn't let a stranger into your house, don't let them into your child's headset or chatbox,” he added.

Related Tags

PNP online games violence recruitment Anti-Cybercrime Group
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