SOUTH COTABATO -South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. is urging minors, parents, and the general public to exercise greater responsibility in posting or sharing video clips and photographs that may create fear or threaten public safety.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that individuals who post or circulate content that causes alarm or poses a threat to the safety and security of communities may face appropriate legal penalties.
He stressed that accountability will not be limited to minors, as parents may also be held responsible depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.
Tamayo also appealed to parents to closely monitor their children, particularly their use of gadgets, social media platforms, and other online sites.
He said maintaining peace and security requires the cooperation of parents, the Philippine National Police (PNP), teachers, local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies.
“Security is everyone’s concern,” Tamayo added, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent similar incidents, particularly in schools and other places where children and young people gather.
Meanwhile, Koronadal City Mayor Erlinda Pabi-Araquil expressed support for the initiatives of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato aimed at ensuring safer communities for children.
Araquil warned individuals who make threats that they will be held accountable once identified and apprehended.
“Kapag na-identify, nahuli kayo, talagang mahaharap kayo sa kaso, no settlement. Gusto kong ipakita na we have existing laws,” Araquil said.
As part of the response to recent security concerns, eight LGUs in South Cotabato have issued executive orders implementing the suspension of classes.
These include Banga, Koronadal, Lake Sebu, Norala, Sto. Niño, Surallah, Tantangan, and T’boli.
Provincial Government of South Cotabato and local authorities continue to call for vigilance and cooperation from the public to maintain a peaceful and secure environment, especially for students and other members of the community.
