PNP warns of extremist risks in online games, urges parental vigilance

Entertainment | Social Media Posted on 2026-03-19 01:39:40

MANILA – The Philippine National Police has urged parents to closely monitor their children’s use of online gaming platforms amid concerns these spaces could be exploited to spread violent extremist ideas.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that while online games are designed for entertainment and social interaction, they may also be used by malicious groups to target vulnerable users, especially minors.

“We must work together to ensure our children are not influenced to engage in violence or illegal acts,” he said, noting that similar cases have been observed in other countries.

Nartatez has directed the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to intensify monitoring of gaming communities and chat platforms where recruiters may attempt to contact minors. The unit is also coordinating with game developers to quickly identify and remove suspicious accounts.

Authorities recently rescued seven minors who were allegedly being recruited online to carry out violent activities. The operation was launched after intelligence from foreign law enforcement flagged suspicious behavior in a gaming community.

Investigators said the minors had been playing virtual reality games and communicating with foreign players through in-game chat systems, where recruitment and psychological influence reportedly took place.

The PNP said it is also reviewing whether current laws are sufficient to address the evolving threat of online radicalization.

Cybercrime operations

In a separate report, the ACG said it arrested 32 individuals from March 6 to 12, including 22 caught in entrapment operations.

During the same period, authorities filed 58 cybercrime cases and served 33 warrants to access computer data for digital evidence. Cyber patrol teams conducted 545 online monitoring operations and completed 18 digital forensic examinations.

These efforts also led to the rescue of three abuse victims and one trafficking victim, the PNP said.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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