METRO
Remulla urges: Combat Nihilistic Violent Extremism
‘This crisis is not only a crisis of technology. It is not only a crisis of law enforcement. It is a crisis of faith.’
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called for stronger collaboration among families, schools and communities to protect Filipino youth from Nihilistic Violent Extremism, emphasizing that countering the growing threat requires vigilance beyond law enforcement and internet policing.
Speaking at the forum titled “Addressing School-Based Violence: A Multisectoral Forum on Preventing Nihilistic Violent Extremism” in Pasig City, Remulla stressed the need for constant dialogue and moral reinforcement across social institutions.
“Our faith has to be stronger. Our school has to be reinforced. Our families have to get together,” Remulla said, adding that discussions on safety and values must happen daily in schools and homes.
Citing incidents in Tacloban City, Zamboanga, and Banga, South Cotabato, Remulla pointed out that the crisis stems deeper than technological vulnerabilities or public safety gaps, noting how digital spaces and social media algorithms heavily influence the ethical framework of young people.
“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 DILG chief underscored the critical role of parental supervision in shielding children from online radicalization, highlighting investigative findings that show violent extremists exploiting online gaming ecosystems, such as Roblox, to target, reach and groom minors.
“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.
Hosted by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and JuanHand, the forum convened key figures from government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to evaluate school-based violence and bolster early intervention mechanisms for students.
Attendees included Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, Department of Justice representative Atty. Ian Norman Dato, and Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group PCPT Vince Joshua Garcia.