Remulla to Parents: Check your kids’ phones

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged parents to closely monitor their children’s phones, internet searches and social media use following the deadly school shooting in Cotabato City.

Remulla said the 14-year-old suspect allegedly accessed the deep and dark web and was able to secretly bring a firearm inside Banga National High School.

The shooting at around 1 p.m. Friday left three students dead, including the suspect, and eight others injured. Two victims remain in serious condition.

“Check your children’s phones. Check what they search for,” Remulla told parents during a press conference at Camp Crame.

He stressed that parents should know what their children are viewing online, saying this is not simply a matter of privacy when it concerns their own children.

DARK WEB + DEPRESSION

Remulla said previous school shooting incidents also involved suspects who were exposed to troubling internet content.

He warned that dark-web exposure, combined with depression and other mental health concerns, can put vulnerable children at greater risk of committing violent acts.

But the DILG chief urged the public not to rush into blaming anyone for the tragedy.

Instead, he called for empathy, stronger mental health interventions and cooperation among families, schools, communities and government.

‘THIS MUST STOP’

Remulla defended the police and barangay tanods assigned to the school, saying security personnel had already inspected the suspect’s bag.

He noted that physically frisking students can be intrusive and difficult to justify without specific grounds.

For Remulla, the tragedy underscores a bigger problem: children struggling with depression need help—and families and communities must recognize the warning signs.

“This must stop. We have to act together,” Remulla said.