Remulla Pushes Social Media Limits for Minors After School Shooting

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday, Sept. 21, called for tighter social media restrictions for minors following the Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School that left three students dead, including the suspected 16-year-old gunman.

Remulla and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. visited the school and met with education, police, and local government officials as authorities continued investigating the incident and reviewing campus security.

Remulla said investigators were examining the teenager’s exposure to online groups and content involving extremist and hateful ideas. According to him, the boy’s parents had previously discovered his online involvement and had sought psychological help for him.

“The kid was taught to hate,” Remulla said, while stressing that authorities were still looking into how online influences may have affected the teenager.

He said he would ask Congress to consider measures limiting social media use among children aged 16 and below, strengthening firearm regulations, and improving rules on the safe storage of licensed firearms.

Remulla also said the government would explore ways to restrict access to websites promoting extremist content in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Meanwhile, authorities are expected to strengthen security around schools, with police monitoring nearby areas and barangay personnel assisting in safety measures.

Remulla urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and seek help from schools, local governments, or appropriate authorities when they encounter concerning behavior or content.