The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is again facing questions over its response to harmful online content following a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato — the country’s third deadly school shooting since June.
A 16-year-old student shot and killed two 14-year-old students and wounded at least eight others on Friday, Sept. 18, before turning the gun on himself, according to initial reports. Four of the injured students were reportedly in critical condition.
The gunman allegedly used a 9-mm pistol belonging to his father, a Department of Education employee. Authorities said he obtained the weapon after breaking into a secured vault at home.
Investigators are also looking into the teenager’s online activity, including reports that he participated in an online “true crime” community and posted content idolizing school shooters.
The findings could again raise questions about the exposure of Filipino minors to violent content and the government’s ability to detect or respond to online warning signs.
The incident followed deadly school shootings in Zamboanga and Tacloban earlier this year. Such attacks were previously rare in the Philippines.
In a statement issued after the South Cotabato attack, the DICT condemned the violence but announced no specific investigation or new measure addressing the reported online activity of the gunman.
“The DICT strongly condemns the reported shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Violence in and around educational institutions has no place in our communities, and the safety and protection of our learners, educators, and school personnel must remain a paramount concern,” the agency said.
The DICT said it was prepared to assist other government agencies if communications or technical support was required.
“The DICT stands ready to provide assistance within its mandate and coordinate with concerned agencies should communications or technical support be needed,” it said.
The agency also appealed to the public not to circulate graphic footage, photographs or unverified claims about the shooting.
“We also urge the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, images, and unverified information related to the incident. Let us respect the privacy and dignity of the victims and their families while allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation,” the DICT said.
The department expressed condolences to the victim’s family and called for schools to remain safe places for students and teachers.
The agency’s statement did not say whether it would coordinate with online platforms, examine the gunman’s digital activity or propose safeguards aimed at identifying threats involving students.
