DILG Chief Remulla Wants Stricter Social Media Rules for Children
JONVIC REMULLA – The secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling for stricter social media restrictions for children aged 16 and below following the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Remulla said he plans to ask Congress to limit social media access among minors and block websites that promote violence and nihilism. He also wants stronger regulations on firearms, including both legally owned and unregistered guns.
The DILG chief also proposed allowing the Philippine National Police (PNP) to inspect licensed firearms kept in homes, provided gun owners receive proper notice. He said authorities should be given greater ability to check whether firearms are safely stored.
Remulla’s proposals came after the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School, where three students were killed and eight others were injured. Following the incident, Remulla said authorities found information on the suspect’s cellphone showing that he had been exposed to online groups and content linked to violence and nihilistic views. He had also reportedly accessed parts of the deep web.
Authorities are examining the suspect’s online activities and digital devices as part of the investigation into what may have influenced his behavior. Remulla has pointed to online exposure as one factor that should be examined, but the investigation will determine the specific circumstances behind the shooting.
The DILG secretary said the government needs to take stronger steps to protect young people from harmful online content. He plans to work with Congress and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on possible restrictions on websites that promote violence. Aside from social media regulations, Remulla is pushing for tighter firearm controls and improved safety measures for gun owners.
The proposals are now being presented for consideration by Congress. Any new restrictions on social media, websites, or firearm inspections would still require appropriate legislation and government rules before they can be implemented.
