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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Strict monitoring of kids' social media, gadget use urged after Tacloban school gun attack

Strict monitoring of kids' social media, gadget use urged after Tacloban school gun attack

Published Jun 23, 2026 09:29 am

At A Glance

  • Police investigators noted that one of the suspects in Tacloban City school gun attack allegedly posted gun-related and violent videos online prior to the incident.
  • Authorities said these posts are now being examined as possible warning indicators that were not acted upon early.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged parents and guardians to be active in monitoring the social media and gadget use of their children following the involvement of two minors, aged 14 and 15, in the gun attack on a Tacloban City high school.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the gun attack at San Jose National High School on June 22 showed how early online behavior may signal possible violent intent.
Police investigators noted that one of the suspects had allegedly posted gun-related and violent videos online prior to the attack, including footage of himself firing a firearm. Authorities said these posts are now being examined as possible warning indicators that were not acted upon early.
“Parents and guardians serve as the first line of defense. They must be present and vigilant in their children's digital lives, treating their online activity with the same level of concern as their physical whereabouts,” said Nartatez.
“We are also calling on our teachers and school administrators to act as our partners in this 'digital watch,' identifying early behavioral shifts or concerning interests in students so we can intervene long before any harm is done,” he added.
Police are reviewing possible bullying angles and other social factors that may have contributed to the incident as part of a continuing investigation into the shooting that left three students dead and at least 13 others injured.
“The warning signs are often subtle—social withdrawal, obsession with violent imagery, or the use of radicalized language—and when these red flags appear, early reporting to local police or school authorities is not just a precaution but a necessity to save lives,” Nartatez said.
He also emphasized ongoing coordination with education officials to institutionalize preventive measures in schools nationwide.
“We are currently working with the Department of Education to formalize these safety protocols because securing our schools is a shared, non-negotiable responsibility that requires the constant, active involvement of every adult in a child’s circle of trust,” Nartatez said.

Police earlier said they want to sit down with the DepEd and local government units (LGUs) to discuss security measures in schools and academic institutions following the gun attack in a Tacloban City.

Nartatez said he already ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and the result will form part of the measures that will be discussed with school authorities.

He said the initial steps taken is to dig deeper into the incident through an all-out investigation to come up with measures to prevent the repeat of the incident in the future and in any school and academic institution. 

Nartatez said the local police force was also tasked to coordinate with proper authorities and stakeholders for the conduct of medical intervention to all the students and teachers who were traumatized by the incident.
“We will coordinate with the DepEd to come up with the best security measures in the interest of the safety of students and teachers inside the school and the peace of mind of the parents,” said Nartatez.

Related Tags

PNP school shooting gun attack social media DepEd
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