KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. has asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to investigate an online community reportedly joined by the minor allegedly involved in the Banga National High School shooting.
Tamayo said authorities are investigating the nature of the online community and determining whether it has any connection to the incident.
“We have asked the DICT to look into the online community reportedly joined by the minor involved in the incident. And the Cyber crime also. We want to understand what this community is about and determine whether there is any connection to what happened,” the governor said.
The governor’s request came as authorities continued to investigate the shooting that left three people dead and six others injured at the Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, past 1 p.m. on Friday, September 18.
Authorities have yet to establish whether the online community had any influence or connection to the shooting. The nature, activities, and content of the online community are also subject to verification as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We should allow our law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. At this point, we should not make conclusions until the facts have been established,” he stressed.
Tamayo appealed to the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident. He also assured the affected families of government assistance.
“I appeal to everyone to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Let us allow the authorities to do their work and provide accurate information as the investigation progresses,” the governor said.
The six injured individuals were brought to different medical facilities in the province for treatment. Authorities and emergency responders continued to monitor their condition and coordinate assistance following the incident.
Classes in Banga were suspended following the shooting as authorities secured the school and attended to the immediate needs of learners and school personnel.
The Department of Education and local authorities are also expected to provide appropriate support to learners, teachers, and families affected by the incident, including mental health and psychosocial assistance.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it stands ready to provide assistance within its mandate and coordinate with concerned government agencies should communications or technical support be needed in connection with the incident.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the DICT said it joins the Department of Education, local authorities, and the community in affirming the importance of keeping schools safe as spaces for learning. It emphasized the need to uphold the safety, well-being, and dignity of every learner and educator, particularly in the wake of the incident.
The DICT also urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, photographs, and videos related to the shooting, particularly material that may identify or further expose the children involved.
The identities, personal circumstances, and other identifying details of the children involved are being withheld in consideration of their privacy, dignity, and protection while the investigation continues.
Authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the reported online-community connection, as well as other factors that may have contributed to the incident.
