Minors rescued from violence plot now back in school in Laguna

The seven minors who were rescued from carrying out a plan to wreak violence have returned to school in Laguna, but are under close monitoring by social workers.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the minors are under the case of social workers after they were rescued in February.

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) monitored their plans online to carry out violence. The minors were all aged 15.

Police also confiscated several items, including t-shirts with prints such as “No Live Matter” and “Natural Selection.”

Police Brigadier General Wilson Asueta, PNP-ACG acting director, said the minors could have pushed through with their plan if authorities did not interfere. The minors only lacked the weapons to carry out their plan.

Investigation showed that the minors were always playing online games when an unknown individual entered the gaming platform and allegedly exposed them to violent content, such as famous mass murderers and those involved in heinous crimes.

Asueta said minors might be influenced if they always watch violent content.

The minors are undergoing counselling and psychosocial support to prevent radicalization.  

The PNP-ACG reminded parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and their online activities so that they could avoid bad influences. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/JMA, GMA Integrated News