By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to strengthen coordination with social media platforms in taking down all photos and videos of the fatal Aug. 18 shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) unior high school campus.
The incident was live-streamed by the minor who carried out the gun attack.
PGen. Nartatez Jr. said in a press briefing that the PNP wants to ensure that netizens, particularly minors, will no longer have access and capability to repost and share any video and screenshots in connection with the incident.
“This is an unfortunate incident that should be treated with utmost sensitivity, especially that there were minors involved in the content. Let us all be compassionate over this tragedy and it starts by showing respect and becoming responsible netizens,” he said.
“We appeal to everyone to refrain from sharing or reposting the videos and photos of the incident. These materials can cause further distress to the victims, their families and the public, and may also interfere with the ongoing investigation,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP-ACG and other concerned units were already directed to monitor and report the spread of sensitive videos online in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen measures that protect communities and ensure public safety.
Following the incident on Tuesday, police teams were already sent to the AdZU to respond and conduct an investigation to come up with a clear picture of what happened.
One of the key aspects of the investigation, according to Nartatez, was how the child in conflict with the law (CICL) was able to smuggle two firearms inside the school.
But the investigation will go beyond the actual gun attack, he said, stressing that a thorough investigation must be carried out to determine all the circumstances that prompted the minor to carry out the attack.
The PNP has been closely working with the Department of Education in coming up with measures that will ensure the safety of all schools and other learning spaces across the country.
Additional safety requirements for gun ownership
Another aspect of the investigation is the issue of responsible gun ownership, as PGen. Nartatez Jr. stressed the need to add more teeth to running after those whose firearms become easily accessible to minors.
He said they will implement additional measures for gun safety for those applying and seeking renewal of firearms permits.
He said the measures will focus on safekeeping of firearms and ammunition, and he is looking into a comprehensive gun safety seminar as a requirement not only in applying for the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearms registration but also in the renewal process.
“The gun-related incidents in schools and communities, particularly involving minors, all boil down to the issue of accessibility to firearms. This is where the intervention should also focus on and this is what we in the PNP will address,” PGen. Nartatez Jr. said.
The PNP, through the Firearms and Explosives Office, serves as the sole authority for issuing gun licenses, permits, and firearm registrations in the Philippines under Republic Act 10591.
