DoJ probes online grooming links to school shootings

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is monitoring online platforms and group chats as it investigates possible links between online grooming and three recent school shootings in the country.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said authorities had thwarted several potential violent incidents after receiving reports of individuals announcing their intentions before carrying out attacks.

Vida declined to provide details to avoid compromising follow-up operations. “We have the chance to prevent the incident and it proved to be successful,” he said.

The three incidents under investigation occurred at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on 22 June, Ateneo de Zamboanga University on 18 August, and Banga National High School in South Cotabato on 18 September.

The Tacloban shooting left three students dead and several others injured. At Ateneo de Zamboanga University, a student was killed in a shooting at the junior high school building.

The Banga attack left two students dead, along with the 16-year-old gunman, who took his own life. At least eight other people were injured.

Authorities are examining whether violent online communities influenced the attacks.

In the Banga case, investigators found that the suspect had allegedly participated in an online “true crime” community where school shooters were idolized. Authorities are investigating whether his online activity was connected to the attack.

Active probe

The Department of the Interior and Local Government also reported that investigators were pursuing an individual suspected of influencing the Banga student through online conversations by exploiting his insecurities and encouraging him to commit violence.

The National Bureau of Investigation later said it had taken an individual into custody in connection with the case and separately apprehended a suspected online groomer in Cebu.

Vida said he would release a more accurate count of successful preventive operations after consolidating reports from the government agencies involved.

Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz said the investigation remains active and that disclosing details could affect police operations.

Vida said grooming involves manipulating or influencing individuals through online interactions, potentially encouraging minors or young adults to commit violent acts.

He urged parents and the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to help prevent further incidents.