PNP: Roblox used to recruit kids for school attacks

National

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that some extremist groups are using online games like Roblox and social media to target and influence Filipino children to plan possible school attacks.

In a Senate hearing, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group said many of those behind the online recruitment are foreigners who slowly convince minors to join violent plans through online conversations.

Police said, per a report by Philstar, these groups try to make children believe that life and society have no value, which leads them toward violent behavior.

Authorities also shared a case in January where several high school students were stopped and rescued after allegedly planning an attack on their school during its foundation week in February.

Investigators said the students had talked about using improvised explosive devices, Molotov cocktails, and other weapons, and had even looked into firearms training.

The PNP reminded parents and schools to closely watch children’s online activities and report any suspicious behavior as concerns grow over the use of gaming platforms for recruitment.(Georgia Olivar, USJ-R Comm Intern)