Students of Payatas B Elementary School in Quezon City during their first day of face-to-face classes, Aug. 22, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/file
MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on Filipinos to reject the normalization of violence, saying everyone has a role to play in preventing young people from being influenced by violent behavior and rhetoric.
Remulla said the problem has reached “crisis proportions,” urging parents in particular to be more vigilant about their children’s activities and online interactions.
“Tingnan nila ang mga cellphones ng mga anak nila, tingnan nila kung sino ang kinakausap, tingnan nila baka may humuhubog ng utak,” Remulla said.
(They should check their children's cellphones, see who they are talking to and check if there might be someone influencing them.)
He acknowledged concerns over children’s privacy but said parents need to pay closer attention as authorities deal with cases involving young people allegedly being influenced online.
Remulla said he could relate to the concerns of parents, noting that he also has children who are still studying.
“Paano kung sila ang tamaan (What if they are victims)? So this affects everyone, affects the entire Philippines,” he stressed.
The DILG chief also warned against allowing violence to become an accepted part of everyday life, particularly when it is openly invoked by people in positions of authority.
He said when officials casually threaten others with violence or talk about having someone killed, young people may eventually perceive such behavior as acceptable.
“Hindi pwede ang mga leaders natin nagsasalita na ‘ipapapatay kita’ kasi nagiging normal ‘yan eh,” Remulla warned.
(Our leaders should not be saying things like 'I will have you killed' because that makes it normal.)
For Remulla, the responsibility extends beyond government and into homes, communities and other sectors of society.
“People expect more for our leaders,” he said, stressing that public officials should uphold decency and set an example because their words can influence the public, including children.
The remarks came as authorities continue investigating cases involving alleged online grooming and the influence of violent groups on young people.
Remulla said authorities are also pursuing an 18-year-old alleged online groomer in South Cotabato who has already been identified and is now being hunted.
He clarified that the individual is different from the person earlier arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation in connection with the case.
NBI arrests suspects linked to South Cotabato shooting, Cebu online grooming
Meanwhile, Remulla said he has also discussed with Congress proposed changes to the law on firearms, particularly on the liability of gun owners.
He said the government is looking at measures that would strengthen gun owners’ accountability, amid concerns over the use of firearms in violent incidents.
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