Authorities are pursuing a person suspected of influencing the minor involved in the deadly Sept. 18 school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Remulla said the suspect is in the Philippines and that authorities have already identified his location. He alleged that the person preyed on the student’s insecurities and encouraged violence by suggesting such an act would bring recognition.
“They prey upon their insecurities, telling them that they will be glorified if they do something like this,” Remulla said, describing the alleged online influence as an “insidious” form of incitement.
The DILG earlier said investigators found that the student had been exposed to violent content online, including material linked to the so-called deep or dark web. Authorities are still examining whether an online community had a direct role in the attack.
The shooting at Banga National High School left two students dead and several others wounded before the gunman died by suicide, according to authorities.
Remulla said the government is also looking at broader measures to address school violence, including tighter safeguards on minors’ access to social media and certain websites.
He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity and watch for warning signs that they may be drawn toward violent content or communities.
