NBI Arrests Individual Linked to South Cotabato School Shooting

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on Thursday, September 24, that it had arrested an individual allegedly linked to the school shooting incident in South Cotabato. During the Senate budget hearing of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies, NBI Director Melvin Matibag reported that they apprehended the individual in an operation on Wednesday, September 23. "Yesterday, we were able to get hold of one of the individuals who is somehow related to what happened in South Cotabato," Matibag said in mixed English and Filipino. Matibag did not disclose further details regarding the arrest but added that they also apprehended a suspected online groomer from Cebu. "With the help of the NPS (National Prosecution Service) and DOJ (Department of Justice), we will be processing it today," Matibag stated. The school shooting incident in South Cotabato on September 18 resulted in the deaths of three students and wounded eight others. Among the fatalities was a 16-year-old Grade 9 student who used his father’s handgun in the act. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla had previously said on Wednesday that authorities were already pursuing an individual who allegedly encouraged the shooter to commit violence. According to Remulla, the suspected individual was telling students that their acts of violence would be recognized and glorified. Meanwhile, Matibag said that going after suspects who influence young people into nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) would be faster with the use of certain cybersecurity tools. The NBI is seeking P1 billion in confidential funds for the procurement of tools and equipment that Matibag described as the agency’s “trade secret” in its efforts to resolve cybercrimes. "The tools are there. In my opinion, it should not go to ordinary procurement, because that is something that is somehow like a trade secret for law enforcement," Matibag explained.