PNP considers ban on socmed for minors

newsinfo / Headlines Headlines PNP considers ban on socmed for minors By: Jason Sigales - Reporter / @jasonsigalesINQ INQUIRER.net / 05:00 AM July 27, 2026 Share: MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said it was considering a proposal to ban social media use for minors following the shooting attack carried out by two students aged 14 and 15 at their school in Tacloban City on June 22. The proposal was raised at the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (Aseanapol) Conference, where a similar ban imposed by Australia on social media users younger than age 16 was discussed, according to PNP Brig.

Gen. Matthew Baccay. “That was one of the recommendations to us and it was agreed upon at the conference,” Baccay said at a press briefing after the event in Pasay City on Saturday.

Baccay is the PNP director for investigation and detective management. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Solon pushes to ban independent social media use for kids 12 and belowFEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Lacson spots same photo for 2 billed Taguig infra projects NEWSINFO PCSO lotto results: Super Lotto 6/49 jackpot won on July 26 NEWSINFO Teodoro to AFP: Recruit more techie officers “Perhaps, we can borrow certain legislation that could also help us prevent the use of social media and other violent platforms accessible to our children,” he added. Charges filed PNP chief Gen.

Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who led the briefing, noted that Aseanapol’s proposal was made after last month’s school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has since taken custody of the two suspects who were arrested.

Three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder and multiple counts of serious physical injuries have been filed against the 15-year-old. READ: Docs’ prescription: Keep kids off social media Article continues after this advertisement On the other hand, the 14-year-old suspect cannot be held criminally liable under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, because of his age.

The police have blamed their actions on their exposure to violence online, particularly the game GoreBox, and social media. Article continues after this advertisement Framework sought Nartatez said they were looking into policies and laws in neighboring countries that could be used as a framework for local implementation. “If other nations are looking after the law in Australia, we can emulate that or improve upon it,” he said.

Australia, an official dialogue partner of the Aseanapol, adopted the social media ban last year. Nartatez also reported that the PNP handled 77 cases of child exploitation and human trafficking involving minors from January to June, four of which were still under investigation while the rest were already filed in court. Your subscription could not be saved.

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I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “If Australia, European countries and Asean have the capability, so do we. What’s important here is for us to talk to our neighbors.

That is what we call cooperation and partnership,” the PNP chief said. /cb READ NEXT PNP considers ban on socmed for minors Police ask for cooperation from Sona protesters EDITORS' PICK Oyo, Danica Sotto deny relying on parents, say inheritance is not expected PCSO rolls out relief operations for flood-hit Davao City Senate probe into electricity bill spikes sought Zelensky: Russia seeking 30,000 extra N. Korea troops for Ukraine war 51 OFWs, 23 dependents repatriated from Dubai Gatchalian calls for clear education agenda in SONA MOST READ PCSO lotto results: Super Lotto 6/49 jackpot won on July 26 A second life for worn-out polymer banknotes 51 OFWs, 23 dependents repatriated from Dubai Sarah Geronimo reunites with mom Divine, dad Delfin for her 38th birthday View comments EDITORS' PICK MOST READ entertainment Oyo, Danica Sotto deny relying on parents, say inheritance is not expected newsinfo PCSO rolls out relief operations for flood-hit Davao City newsinfo Senate probe into electricity bill spikes sought globalnation Zelensky: Russia seeking 30,000 extra N.

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