( Photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
The National Telecommunications Commission has ordered internet service providers to block access in the Philippines to two websites that authorities said promoted real-world violence and the grooming of minors.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the move followed coordination between the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and the NTC amid heightened monitoring of online content linked to threats of violence, including school shootings and prank threats.
Co said the websites remain online but can no longer be accessed locally after the NTC directed internet service providers to block them.
The PNP said it is also identifying other websites and online spaces that may encourage violence or similar harmful activity.
The action came as police continue to respond to a series of school-related violent incidents reported since June, including shootings and stabbings.
Authorities have also warned students and minors against posting threats or content that could trigger public fear, panic, or unnecessary police deployment.
In Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, police traced Facebook posts allegedly warning of a shooting at Kapingkong National High School to a 13-year-old student, with social welfare officials and local authorities assisting in the case.
Separately, police in Tupi, South Cotabato arrested an 18-year-old student on Sept. 20 over social media posts showing a person with a firearm. A mobile phone believed to have been used in the posts was recovered for technical examination, while police said a complaint for alarm and scandal was being prepared.
