20/09/2026
🛑 PUBLIC ADVISORY: STOP THE UNLAWFUL SHARING OF IMAGES AND VIDEOS RELATED TO THE BANGA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING INCIDENT 🛑
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII strongly appeals to all netizens, social media influencers, vloggers, and content creators to IMMEDIATELY CEASE AND DESIST from sharing, posting, or circulating graphic photos, videos, and names of the victims and the minor perpetrator involved in the tragic shooting incident at Banga National High School.
As our social workers provide urgent psychological first aid and psychosocial interventions to the grieving families and traumatized learners, the continuous dissemination of these sensitive materials online will worsen the trauma of the victims' loved ones and violates the fundamental rights of the children involved.
We remind the public that sharing such explicit content is not only deeply insensitive but is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE punishable under Philippine laws:
1. VIOLATION OF RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act)
Section 29 strictly prohibits the public disclosure, sensationalized publicity, or broadcast of any information or imagery that reveals the identity of child victims. Violators face stiff criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
2. VIOLATION OF RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006)
Under Section 43, the absolute confidentiality and privacy of a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) must be maintained at all stages. Disclosing or posting images of the minor perpetrator is strictly prohibited and carries severe statutory penalties.
3. VIOLATION OF RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012)
The unauthorized processing and viral sharing of personal and sensitive information (such as photos of deceased individuals, names of minors, and crime scene media) without legal consent carry a penalty of 3 to 6 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱2,000,000.
4. CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012 (RA 10175)
Under our current laws, any crime committed by, through, and with the use of information and communications technologies (such as Facebook, Messenger, and TikTok) shall be penalized with a penalty ONE DEGREE HIGHER than that provided by the Revised Penal Code and special laws.
Our cyber-authorities and law enforcement partners are actively monitoring social media channels. Accounts found distributing or archiving these graphic media files will be reported and legally prosecuted.
Let us practice digital responsibility. Protect our children, respect the privacy of the families in grief, and help us foster a safe environment for healing. If you see such posts, do not share or comment—REPORT THEM IMMEDIATELY.