Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday urged parents to immediately call 911or seek help from the nearest police station if they notice unusual changes in their children's behavior, saying early intervention could prevent minors from falling victim to online violence and extremist recruitment.

"We call on parents to closely monitor the online activities of their children. Our 911 is also a help line for the necessary intervention as a result of overexposure to online violence and other online activities," Nartatez said.

He encouraged families to work together in protecting children from online threats and guiding them toward positive development.

The appeal follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen the protection of minors from online exploitation, radicalization, and other digital threats.

Nartatez's statement also came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros disclosed that the alleged groomer of the minor suspects in the Tacloban school shooting was reportedly linked to a transnational online group that recruits children and promotes violence and extremism.

The PNP said investigators are treating the information seriously and are examining possible links between online extremist groups and the recruitment of minors.

Nartatez added that the police remain committed to dismantling online extremist networks targeting young people and have directed concerned units to coordinate with foreign law enforcement agencies as part of the investigation.

He also reiterated the PNP's support for the Department of Education's guidance counseling program, noting that every police station has a Women and Children Protection Desk that can assist children and their families.

The PNP said it will continue monitoring online threats and work with local and international authorities to identify those responsible for recruiting and radicalizing minors through digital platforms.