SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has called for a nationwide crackdown on individuals who groom and recruit minors to carry out violent acts, following findings by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the disturbing practice.

Gatchalian said he was deeply alarmed by reports that predators are exploiting vulnerable children and manipulating them into committing violence against communities.

“These predators exploit vulnerable children and weaponize them against communities,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate leader urged the NBI, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other law enforcement agencies to work together to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals targeting minors online.

Gatchalian also noted that the Senate is set to deliberate in plenary the proposed ban on social media use for children below 16 years old, a measure aimed at strengthening online protection for minors.

He said he would continue supporting programs such as the School-Based Mental Health Program and the Parent Effectiveness Service Program, which he described as essential in protecting the welfare and well-being of Filipino youth.