Group linked in Hontiveros video denies ‘764’ ties, seeks public apology

• Photo courtesy of KS21

A member of Kilusang Setyembre Bente-Uno (KS21) has denied any affiliation with the online extremist network known as “764” after his photos and those of other group members appeared in a social media video by discussing possible leads in the Tacloban school shooting investigation.

KS21 describes itself as a youth coalition, non-government organization (NGO), and independent media outfit that covers protests, social issues, governance, and accountability in the Philippines. On its public pages, it says it advocates for pro-accountability, anti-corruption, and pro-Philippines causes while publishing frontline coverage of rallies and current events.

Dominick Guzman, who identified himself as a photojournalist, multimedia arts student, and airsoft enthusiast, said he learned about the video at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a call from KS21 founder Johnny Tilar.

“I was enraged because this has no correlation,” Guzman said in an interview, adding that it was not only his profile that appeared in the video but also photos showing him with friends.

Guzman denied ever being associated with 764, saying he is only aware of the group’s notoriety online.

“I know what 764 is because of their internet infamy. We are aware of their presence and never engaged with them,” he said.

He also denied participating in any online communities linked to the group, saying his online activity consists mainly of private chats with friends, family, and fellow airsoft enthusiasts.

Guzman said neither he nor the organization has been contacted or investigated by law enforcement agencies in connection with the Tacloban shooting.

He claimed the video’s publication has already affected members of their organization. According to Guzman, a 17-year-old female member was called to her principal’s office and has since become the target of bullying after allegedly being labeled a “potential school shooter.”

“She’s being bullied and picked on right now,” he said, adding that the group is concerned about the impact on her mental health.

Guzman said he believes the confusion may have stemmed from his publicly accessible profile and cover photo, which he acknowledged could be misinterpreted by people unfamiliar with airsoft or historical reenactment activities.

“If you’re familiar with reenacting, historical or current, it can be sensitive to the wrong audience,” he said.

Asked whether he would cooperate with authorities, Guzman said he is willing to work with legitimate government investigators but would only provide personal information through official channels, citing privacy concerns.

He also said KS21’s advocacy focuses on media transparency and stressed that the organization would immediately distance itself from any member found to have links with extremist groups.

“If someone I know is connected to it, they will be cut off and reported,” he said.

Guzman said he and KS21 are seeking a public apology from Senator Hontiveros and are calling for a Senate hearing where they can present their side.

“We can’t tolerate giving the airsoft community a bad name for one incident that isn’t even connected to the Tacloban shooting,” he said.

In a statement posted on her official Facebook page, Senator Risa Hontiveros said she did not claim that the Group as a whole was involved in extremist activity and expressed regret over the misperception.

However, she maintained that there was no error in flagging an individual who allegedly interacted with the apparent profile of one of the Tacloban shooting suspects after the incident. Hontiveros said the (CICC) had confirmed that the 764 network is active in the Philippines and that relevant leads had been endorsed to law enforcement for verification. She also said the individual would be invited to the next Senate hearing to explain his alleged online interactions with the shooter.

Authorities continue to investigate possible online influences and extremist connections related to the Tacloban school shooting. No official findings have been released identifying Guzman or KS21 as suspects or members of the 764 network.This version maintains journalistic neutrality by clearly attributing every disputed claim while noting that the investigation remains ongoing.