Tacloban:At least 60 individuals have been identified as alleged online groomers of minors linked to the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in this city on June 22, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, NBI Eastern Visayas Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc stated in an interview that the individuals include minors and foreigners who are members of various online networks.
Lotoc explained that these findings are based on digital evidence gathered by their task force. Although not all 60 subjects have direct contact with the shooters, they reportedly have influence through their network. The director also noted that the number could increase, as investigators are examining around 200 other individuals suspected of influencing minors to carry out violent attacks.
The ongoing investigation is focused on organizational structure, network architecture, modes of recruitment, the potential reach of influence, and possible convergence with extremist groups. The individuals are reportedly linked to nihilistic violent extremism, an online phenomenon involving the alleged grooming and radicalization of minors through social media and gaming platforms.
Lotoc declined to confirm whether the same individuals had influenced other deadly campus shootings in Zamboanga City and Banga, South Cotabato. The NBI has not set a timeline for completing the Tacloban school shooting investigation, as new digital evidence continues to be received almost daily.
The June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School, carried out by two minor students, resulted in the deaths of three learners and injuries to 20 others.
