MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) urged Congress to prioritize the passage of a law addressing nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) following the fatal shooting at a private school in Tacloban City that left three people dead.

In a report, it said that Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said existing laws may be used to investigate such incidents, but a dedicated measure would provide a more comprehensive legal framework.

“Talagang dapat. Dapat, sa tingin namin ma-prioritize ito,” Ty said during a press conference.

“Bagamat magagawan natin ng paaran ngayon gamitin ‘yung mga iba pang batas para imbestigahan itong kasong ito, mas maganda talaga kung may isang batas na buo at partikular sa problema na gagamitin natin na hindi lang pinaparusahan bilang krimen ito. Tinitingnan din lahat ng aspeto na sinabi natin. May proteksyon ng mga bata, koordinasyon sa ibang bansa, at iba pang aspeto,” he added.

Ty said the Philippines currently lacks a sufficient legal framework specifically addressing NVE and stressed that any proposed law should formally recognize the phenomenon and define it.

“Unang-una, kilalanin. Kilalanin na may ganitong phenomenon na nangyayari dito sa mundo at sa Pilipinas. Pangalawa, bigyan ng pangalan,” he said.

He said authorities currently assess NVE based on the conduct involved, particularly the exploitation of children and young adults to commit crimes.

“Tignan na lang natin kung ano ‘yung gawain mismo at ‘yung gawain na ito ay pag-abuso, no? Pag exploit sa mga kabataan or maski sa mga young adult upang gumawa ng sari-saring kasamaan,” he said.

Ty said such activities may begin with minor offenses before escalating into more serious crimes.

“Minsan nag-uumpisa lang sa minor crimes tulad ng breaking and entering, minsan umaabot sa production of CSAEM, minsan sa self-mutilation… hanggang umabot na sa punto na magkaroon tayo ng mass casualty attempt,” he added.

He also proposed creating an inter-agency body under the law to address NVE through a whole-of-government approach, while strengthening coordination with other countries.

Pending the enactment of such a measure, Ty said authorities are relying on existing laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, and relevant provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

The DOJ is also studying whether the country’s anti-terrorism framework could apply to NVE cases involving mass casualty incidents.

“‘Yung terrorism, pag-aaralan natin kung maaaring masakop doon itong NVE, lalo na kung magkaroon ng mass casualty event kasi nga ‘yung mga ibang bansa na pinagdadaanan din itong problemang ito, ginagamit nilang terrorism framework nila upang mag-imbestiga at panagutin ang mga perpetrators behind this,” he said.

Ty, however, said the matter requires careful study, noting the sensitive nature of terrorism laws and the need to avoid prematurely labeling children as terrorists.

The DOJ’s call came after two minors were involved in a shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban City in late June that left three people dead and several others injured.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato said the 15-year-old suspect is now undergoing regular preliminary investigation after inquest proceedings and remains detained at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Eastern Visayas.

“Following the inquest, CICL Rod will now undergo the regular preliminary investigation process. He remains deprived of liberty at the regional rehabilitation center for youth in Region VIII,” Dato said.

Dato added that the 14-year-old minor, identified as Nash, remains under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development at the same rehabilitation facility, where intervention programs are being conducted.

He also said the DOJ’s regional prosecution office has assisted the victims’ families in filing claims for financial assistance.