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PNP-ACG: Red flags on children possibly being recruited online for violent acts
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has identified several warning signs that children may be exposed to online recruitment and indoctrination into performing acts of violence.
PNP-ACG chief Police Brigadier General Wilson Asueta shared these “red flags” after seven minors were recently rescued in Laguna after being recruited to carry out an attack in their school. Another minor was also in a similar situation in Marikina last year.
Minors are increasingly vulnerable to strangers they encounter in online gaming platforms who may gradually influence them to consume violent content and ideologies, according to the police.
“Lalo na po sa ating mga magulang, bantayan natin ang ating mga anak na palaging nakatutok sa internet, especially those who are involved in gaming,” Asueta said at a press conference.
(Especially to our parents, let's keep an eye on our children who are always focused on the internet, especially those who are involved in gaming.)
The following are the red flags that a child is being recruited to these make violents acts online, according to the PNP-ACG:
excessive internet or gaming use
sleep and appetite disturbances
expressing hopelessness or suicidal tendencies
On Monday, PNP reported that seven students were rescued from online recruitment to carry out acts of violence like mass shootings.
Local authorities conducted the rescue after receiving intelligence information from foreign law enforcement partners about suspicious activities in the online gaming community.
“Authorities said recruitment and psychological influence reportedly took place through chat groups and online discussions within the gaming platforms,” the PNP earlier said.
“These online groups allegedly encouraged violent acts such as assaults and mass shootings while some conversations also suggested committing suicide after carrying out the attacks,” it added.
Several mass murderers and mass shooters were reportedly being idolized within the group’s discussions. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
