Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has urged the public to think carefully before posting content online, particularly threats or messages that could create fear and endanger public safety.
Nartatez issued the warning on September 21 after police intervened in separate cases involving students in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat who allegedly posted images of firearms and threats of violence on social media.
In Tupi, South Cotabato, police questioned an 18-year-old student on September 20 after receiving a report about a social media post showing him holding a firearm. Authorities were preparing an alarm and scandal complaint for filing with prosecutors.
A separate case involved a 13-year-old Grade 8 student in Sultan Kudarat who allegedly posted threats of a shooting at Kapingkong National High School. A teacher reported the posts to police shortly after midnight and provided screenshots, prompting authorities to intervene.
The incidents have drawn increased attention because they come amid a series of school-related violence cases and online threats involving young people.
Nartatez said police would take credible reports seriously while also emphasizing that authorities must verify information and observe due process, particularly when cases involve minors.
“We will take credible reports seriously, verify the facts, and respond accordingly,” Nartatez said, adding that cases involving minors would be handled with appropriate care.
The PNP has also been increasing its focus on online spaces where authorities say violent content can potentially influence young people. The Anti-Cybercrime Group has been directed to strengthen cyber patrolling, surveillance and appropriate action against threats to public safety.
The National Telecommunications Commission has meanwhile directed internet service providers to block two websites identified by authorities as promoting real-world violence and grooming minors. The PNP said it was continuing to identify other online platforms that could pose similar risks.
Nartatez has also called for stronger cooperation among police, schools, parents and local communities. In a separate initiative, the PNP said it would work with Sangguniang Kabataan officials to help identify early warning signs among young people and create more channels for reporting concerns.
The police chief stressed that the objective is not simply to monitor young people, but to encourage early reporting and intervention when credible warning signs emerge.
Parents and community members have likewise been urged to report disturbing behavior or credible threats rather than sharing potentially harmful posts further online.
With authorities now watching both physical school environments and online spaces more closely, a social media post that may appear to be a joke, threat or prank can quickly trigger a police response.
The message from authorities is clear: think carefully before posting, verify information before sharing it, and report credible threats before they have a chance to escalate.
