Remulla urges parents, schools to protect youth from violent extremism
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has called for stronger cooperation among families, schools and communities to protect young Filipinos from violent extremism, warning that law enforcement and internet regulation alone cannot address the growing threat.
Speaking at the forum "Addressing School-Based Violence: A Multisectoral Forum on Preventing Nihilistic Violent Extremism" in Pasig City, Remulla emphasized the importance of parental guidance, education and community involvement in preventing youth radicalization.
“Our faith has to be stronger. Our school has to be reinforced. Our families have to get together,” Remulla said.
“Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa eskwelahan. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa bahay. Dapat araw-araw pinag-uusapan sa pamilya,” he added.
Citing incidents in Tacloban City, Zamboanga and Banga, South Cotabato, Remulla said the threat extends beyond public safety concerns, pointing to the potential influence of online content on young people's values and behavior.
“This crisis is not only a crisis of technology. It is not only a crisis of law enforcement. It is a crisis of faith,” he said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief also stressed the need for greater parental supervision as authorities investigate reports of extremists using online gaming platforms, including Roblox, to recruit and groom young people.
“Involvement of the parents with how they examine their [child’s] phones on social media activity [matters]. We have to counter [online extremism] with better parenting and better support,” Remulla said.
The forum, organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific and JuanHand, brought together representatives from government, academic institutions and civil society organizations to discuss school-based violence, online radicalization and early intervention measures.
Among those present were Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, Justice Department lawyer Ian Norman Dato and Police Capt. Vince Joshua Garcia of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
The DILG and Department of Education earlier signed a joint memorandum circular establishing coordinated school safety measures, including the deployment of barangay tanods on school premises.
The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between local authorities and educational institutions in protecting students and maintaining safe learning environments.