NTC blocks two websites over violent content, alleged grooming of minors

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 22, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The National Telecommunications Commission has ordered internet service providers in the Philippines to block access to two websites allegedly promoting real-world violence and grooming minors, the Philippine National Police said Monday, September 21.

PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the move followed coordination between the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and the NTC as authorities intensified monitoring of online activity that could encourage violent acts, including school shootings and threat-related pranks.

“The ACG, upon the directive and instruction of our SILG [Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jonvic Remulla] as well as our chief PNP chief [Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.], coordinated directly with the NTC for the blocking of certain websites espousing real-world violence and grooming,” Co said during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, according to the Philippine News Agency.

Co said the NTC subsequently directed internet service providers to restrict access to the websites.

The websites remain online but can no longer be accessed from within the Philippines, he said.

The PNP is also identifying other websites that may contain or promote violent material.

The move comes as authorities monitor a series of school-related violent incidents reported in the country since June 16.

Last week, three students were killed and eight others were injured in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, according to PNA. The incident was the third school mass shooting reported since June.

Co also warned students and minors against posting social media content that could trigger fear or panic, saying those responsible could face legal consequences and divert police resources from actual emergencies.

In Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, police responded early Monday to a teacher’s report about Facebook posts allegedly warning of a shooting at Kapingkong National High School.

Police, social welfare personnel and village officials later located a 13-year-old student allegedly linked to the posts.

In a separate case in Tupi, South Cotabato, police arrested an 18-year-old student on September 20 following a report involving social media posts showing a person with a firearm.

Police recovered a mobile phone believed to have been used in making the posts. Authorities said the device would undergo technical examination and preservation of digital evidence, while a complaint for alarm and scandal was being prepared.