Business · Philippines Bureau
NBI uncovers network grooming minors for violent acts
The National Bureau of Investigation has identified a network of individuals allegedly recruiting minors to commit violent acts. The discovery emerged during an investigation into a school shooting at a Zamboanga City institution involving a teenage gunman.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation has uncovered a network of "groomers" accused of recruiting minors to carry out violent acts, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag announced Tuesday.
The identification of the group comes as the bureau intensifies its investigation into a school shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, in which a 14-year-old student opened fire on campus.
The NBI director did not immediately provide additional details about the size or scope of the grooming network, or the specific methods used to recruit young people. The agency is continuing its inquiry into potential connections between the identified group and the recent shooting incident.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine whether the shooting suspect had any involvement with or influence from the identified network. The NBI has not released further information about the identities or backgrounds of those allegedly involved in the recruitment scheme.
The discovery underscores growing concerns among law enforcement about organized efforts to exploit minors for criminal purposes, particularly those involving violence.