DOJ: Gov't checking info on 'mentors' targeting kids playing 'violent games'

Authorities are looking into possibility that unscrupulous individuals are targeting and "mentoring" children who play violent video games, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday.

"We're confirming information na mentor, alam niyo 'yung mine-mentor 'yung mga bata, 'yung mga bata na may nag-e-engage sa kanila. Tine-text sila. Tapos parang meron silang kino-consult na okay ba itong ginawa ko, ano ba itong gagawin ko," he said in an ambush interview.

(We're confirming information that there are mentors—, you know, someone who mentors and engages with the children. The kids are being sent text messages. Then it seems they consult this person, asking, "Is what I did okay? What should I do?")

"'Pag nakita kasi 'yung may flags na ganoon 'yung bata, nagbababad sa ganoong violent games, may mga nagta-target sa kanila and nire-recruit sila on certain group chats, tapos 'yun ang nagsisimula," he added.

(Such flags may be spotted with a child who spends a lot of time playing violent video games. They may be targeted and recruited to join certain group chats. That's where their violent path starts.)

Earlier this week, two students passed away following a shooting incident at a private school in Zamboanga City.

The alleged shooter, an eighth grade student, was among the fatalities. His father, the Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) district commander in the Zamboanga Port, has been relieved amid an investigation.

According to Vida, the incident may also be considered a terrorist act.

"On the aspect of it being a terrorist act. Definitely, nakikita naman. The purpose of terrorism is to sow fear in the general population. Kapag nakita niyo, that element of creating fear on the public, it is present," Vida said.

Meanwhile, Vida appealed to parents or guardians to guide their children.

"Tutukan natin kung anong ginagawa ng bata natin. Let's engage, kausapin natin sila. Kasi baka— sasabihin kasi, I have kids 'no, laging sasabihin nila, 'Daddy it depends on the person,'" he said.

(Let's focus on what our children are doing. Let's engage with them and talk to them. I have kids. Maybe they will always say, 'Daddy, it depends on the person.')

"Pero let's guide them. You know your children better, you know your kids better. Please, tutukan natin 'yung mga bata kung ano 'yung ginagawa nila," he added.

(But let's guide them. You know your children better, you know your kids better. Please, let's pay close attention to our children and what they are doing.)

Vida said DOJ field offices will also be ready to accept whatever complaint will be filed regarding the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting. — VDV, GMA News