Hoax or cause of death? DICT forms task force to look into Momo challenge

The Department of Information and Communication Technology has formed a task force that will look into the recent child suicide linked to the online "Momo challenge."

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho", the Philippine National Police will be part of the task force.

"We take this seriously because there is a reported death," Secretary Elisero Rio, Jr. said.

"If it is a hoax, then it is something that we need to positively make a conclusion of," he added.

"The PNP shall initiate an investigation with the cooperation of the parents of the child involved to establish whether the death of the victim is associated or connected to the Momo challenge," Rio said.

The Momo challenge involves an image of a creepy scupture from Japan that challenges netizens, mostly children, to do harm to themselves or to others.

The challenge is reportedly spread via messaging apps, social media platforms and even on Youtube.

Youtube has denied seeing indications that its platform has been used for the Momo challenge. —NB, GMA News