MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group warned that Nihilistic Violent Extremists are targeting Filipino minors online and grooming them to carry out violent attacks, including school shootings, an official told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Col. Romeo Desiderio said during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Women and Children that many of the individuals recruiting minors are based abroad and use online platforms such as games and social media to influence them. The hearing was chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
Desiderio said the groups promote violent acts based on beliefs that human life and society have no value.
The PNP said it intervened on Jan. 13 and rescued several high school students who were allegedly planning an attack scheduled for Feb. 16 during a school event.
Authorities said intercepted online communications showed the students discussing the use of a fire extinguisher to create a “blinding effect,” as well as improvised explosive devices and Molotov cocktails.
Investigators also said the minors had inquired at a local firing range to practice shooting.
Police did not disclose further details about the identities of the students or the location of the planned attack.