DILG's Remulla seeks limits on children's social media use, access to violent sites - GMA Network

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said he is seeking tighter restrictions on children's access to social media and websites promoting violence following the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.

At a press conference, Remulla said he would ask Congress to consider measures limiting social media use among children and blocking access to websites that promote nihilism and violence.

“Tomorrow I will go to Congress to ask for the following things. One, to limit the use of social media of children 16 years old and below. Two, to regulate firearms, legal and loose,” he said.

“Three, the opportunity for the PNP to inspect the safety of all licensed firearms in their homes with due notice but without need for a warrant. Four, the total abolition of the access of anyone in the Philippines of these nihilistic sites through the DICT,” he added.

The proposals came after investigators found that the Banga school shooter had allegedly been influenced by online groups and websites promoting satanism, fascism, nihilism, anti-LGBT views, and hate.

According to the DILG head, the student came from a stable family, had friends and a relationship, and aspired to become a doctor. He was also not known to be a bully or a victim of bullying.

However, authorities said information recovered from the student's phone showed his exposure to online groups and content that allegedly influenced his thinking and behavior.

The Philippine National Police said the investigation is continuing to determine who or what influenced the student and how he accessed the online content.

On Sept.18, three students were killed and eight others were wounded following the shooting inside the Banga school.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Sunday asked IT communities to "come forward" and help the government amid the recent incident of school violence in South Cotabato that is being linked to the dark web. —RF, GMA News