DICT, CICC urge public not to share Banga school shooting videos

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, images, and unverified information related to the shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.

In separate statements on Friday, Sept. 18, the two agencies called for responsible online behavior as videos of the incident circulated on social media.

The DICT condemned the reported shooting and expressed condolences to the victim’s family while calling for the privacy and dignity of those affected to be respected.

“We also urge the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, images, and unverified information related to the incident. Let us respect the privacy and dignity of the victims and their families while allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation,” the DICT said.

The department said it stands ready to provide assistance within its mandate and coordinate with concerned agencies should communications or technical support be needed.

The DICT also joined the Department of Education, local authorities, and the community in emphasizing the need to protect schools as safe spaces for learners and educators.

Meanwhile, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the agency coordinated with Meta to take down circulating videos of the incident from its social media platforms and block accounts that were allegedly sharing sensitive material.

“Sa patuloy na koordinasyon ng CICC sa Meta, agad pong na-takedown ang mga kumalat na video ng insidente sa kanilang social media platforms, habang mabilis ding na-block ang mga account na nagbahagi ng nasabing materyal,” Paraiso said.

The CICC said its Threat Monitoring Center (TMC) continues to monitor online spaces to identify and prevent accounts from uploading or circulating new content related to the incident.

Paraiso warned that spreading such material could cause further fear and distress and could potentially inspire copycat violence.

The CICC also encouraged parents, guardians, and friends of young people to be more present and aware of their online activities, particularly their use of gaming apps, messaging platforms, online communities, and private chats.

The agency stressed that its call is not intended to limit young people’s access to technology or online games. Instead, it encouraged closer guidance and monitoring to help ensure their digital environment remains safe.

The CICC said it continues to coordinate with social media, gaming, and messaging platforms, as well as concerned government agencies and stakeholders, to strengthen online monitoring, reporting, and preventive measures against cyber-enabled threats and other forms of online harm.