PNP urges parents to call 911 for kids exposed to online violence

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) urges parents to immediately call 911 or seek assistance to the nearest police station if they notice unusual changes in their children's behavior, saying early reporting could help prevent minors from being recruited or influenced by extremist groups."We call on parents to closely monitor the online activities of their children. Our 911 is also a help line for the necessary intervention as a result of overexposure to online violence and other online activities," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a statement. The appeal came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros disclosed that the alleged groomer of the minor suspects in the Tacloban gun attack was supposedly linked to a transnational online group targeting children in promoting violence and extremism.The PNP said the information is being taken seriously as investigators continue looking into possible links between online extremist groups and the recruitment of minors.Nartatez also said the police organization remains committed to stopping the activities of extremist groups that target young people online. The PNP earlier expressed support for the guidance counselling program of the Department of Education, saying personnel of the Women and Children Protection Desk can provide assistance. Each police station has a Women and Children Protection Desk.Nartatez has directed the concerned police units to strengthen coordination with foreign law enforcement counterparts as part of the ongoing investigation into these extremist groups.He assured the public that the PNP will continue monitoring online threats against minors and work closely with local and international law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for recruiting and radicalizing children through digital platforms.