politics
Philippine Senator Links School Shooting to Online Extremist Network
A senator told a Senate hearing that investigators are examining whether an online extremist network influenced two students who carried out a June 22 shooting at a public school in Tacloban City. The attack killed three students and injured 20 others.
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A Philippine senator stated at a Senate hearing on Wednesday that investigators are examining whether an online extremist network known as 764 influenced two students who carried out a June 22 shooting at a public school in Tacloban City. The attack at San Jose National High School killed three students and injured 20 others.
Two Grade 9 students, aged 14 and 15, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Hontiveros said there were signs the perpetrators might have been influenced by the 764 network, which has been accused of targeting vulnerable children online through gaming platforms and chat groups. "These are not yet final conclusions. These are leads," Hontiveros said, adding that the information had been sent to the National Bureau of Investigation for verification.
"They need to be caught before they lure their next victim," she added at the hearing. The hearing examined how online platforms and gaming spaces may serve as avenues for the radicalisation of Filipino children.
