PNP considers ban on socmed for minors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said it was considering a proposal to ban social media use for minors following the shooting attack carried out by two students aged 14 and 15 at their school in Tacloban City on June 22.

The proposal was raised at the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (Aseanapol) Conference, where a similar ban imposed by Australia on social media users younger than age 16 was discussed, according to PNP Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay.

“That was one of the recommendations to us and it was agreed upon at the conference,” Baccay said at a press briefing after the event in Pasay City on Saturday. Baccay is the PNP director for investigation and detective management.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Perhaps, we can borrow certain legislation that could also help us prevent the use of social media and other violent platforms accessible to our children,” he added.

Charges filed

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who led the briefing, noted that Aseanapol’s proposal was made after last month’s school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has since taken custody of the two suspects who were arrested. Three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injuries have been filed against the 15-year-old.

READ: Docs’ prescription: Keep kids off social media

Article continues after this advertisement

On the other hand, the 14-year-old suspect cannot be held criminally liable under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, because of his age.

The police have blamed their actions on their exposure to violence online, particularly the game GoreBox, and social media.

Article continues after this advertisement

Framework sought

Nartatez said they were looking into policies and laws in neighboring countries that could be used as a framework for local implementation.

“If other nations are looking after the law in Australia, we can emulate that or improve upon it,” he said.

Australia, an official dialogue partner of the Aseanapol, adopted the social media ban last year.

Nartatez also reported that the PNP handled 77 cases of child exploitation and human trafficking involving minors from January to June, four of which were still under investigation while the rest were already filed in court.

“If Australia, European countries and Asean have the capability, so do we. What’s important here is for us to talk to our neighbors. That is what we call cooperation and partnership,” the PNP chief said. /cb