SOUTH COTABATO – South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has directed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to look into an online community reportedly joined by several minors who are being investigated for possible links to the shooting incident at Banga National High School on September 18, 2026.
“At least 40 individuals have reportedly been caught in connection with these threats 20 from Sultan Kudarat and another 20 from South Cotabato,” Tamayo said
Governor Tamayo stressed that authorities need to establish the facts first, particularly the nature of the activities within the online community and whether there is a direct connection between these activities and the incident.
Online group, identified as the True Crime Community (TCC), is now being examined by authorities to determine its activities and whether these have any connection to the school shooting incident.
Apart from the online community, authorities are also closely monitoring cases involving online threats allegedly involving young people.
However, the governor cautioned the public against drawing conclusions while the investigation is still ongoing.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, including misleading news, photos, and videos that could create fear and confusion in communities.
For Teacher Shy, appropriate disciplinary action should be considered when minors are found to have participated in or contributed to online threats, depending on the seriousness of their actions.
“Ang iban dira sabay sa trend or ang intention is para i suspend ang klase but syempre hindi ta pwede I compromise ang safety sang tanan base lang sa assumptions naton. Gina kinahanglan report sa authoridad specially sa mga kapulisan para mabutang sa mga huna-huna sang mga kabataan nga ang pamahog ma paonline man o personal may kaakibat nga consequence nga alatubangon”. Teacher Shy said
The situation has highlighted the importance of responsible online behavior among young people, as well as the role of parents, teachers, and authorities in guiding minors in the use of social media and online communities.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to provide support and interventions for children and their families, particularly those affected by the recent incident.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that while authorities are working to determine the facts and ensure public safety, the community must also help by staying vigilant, reporting genuine threats through proper channels, and avoiding the circulation of information that has not been verified.
