Student gunman 'good kid' corrupted by dark web, Satanism: Philippines official

MANILA — The student who carried out a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato was fundamentally a good person whose exposure to the dark web and Satanic influences led to the violent incident, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Remulla made the assessment during an interview at the Batasang Pambansa complex on Tuesday, suggesting that online radicalization played a significant role in the tragedy. The official's characterization of the gunman as having been corrupted rather than inherently dangerous underscores growing concerns about how internet-based extremism targets young Filipinos.

The shooting at the South Cotabato school has raised alarm among authorities and educators about the risks posed by unregulated online communities and the ease with which vulnerable youth can access extremist content. Officials have begun investigating the extent to which dark web platforms and occult-related material may have influenced the student's actions.

The incident adds to a series of security concerns in Philippine educational institutions and has prompted renewed calls for enhanced digital literacy programs and monitoring of students' online activities.