DoJ seeks anti-extremism law

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday said it is pushing for legislation specifically addressing nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), arguing that existing laws are not comprehensive enough to prosecute online grooming and exploitation linked to violent acts like the recent Tacloban school shooting.

The proposal comes a day after a Senate hearing revealed the alleged involvement of online extremist group “764” that grooms vulnerable children to commit violent acts.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix L. Ty said the department is advocating a comprehensive law that would recognize NVE as a distinct phenomenon and establish a legal framework for addressing it.

“We want a law specifically addressing NVE. It should be a comprehensive law, similar to those covering specific crimes such as terrorism, obscenity, and human trafficking,” Mr. Ty said in mixed English and Filipino during a press conference.

He said the proposed measure would define NVE, designate the lead government agency, strengthen child protection, enhance international coordination, and establish a coordinated response, adding that “it should adopt a whole-of-government, if not a whole-of-nation, approach.” 

Mr. Ty urged lawmakers to prioritize the proposed measure, saying a dedicated law would provide a comprehensive framework for addressing NVE instead of relying on existing laws that apply only under specific circumstances.

He said that existing laws, including Republic Act No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, can only be applied when all the required legal elements under those statutes are present.

“Our problem is, what if the circumstances we need aren’t there, the elements we need aren’t there? That’s where we have a gap,” he said.

Mr. Ty said perpetrators exploit vulnerable children and young people through online platforms, using the internet to victimize and abuse them.

He added that offenders take advantage of these vulnerabilities, as well as victims’ need for friendship, to manipulate them into committing harmful acts.

He said the DoJ will continue enforcing existing laws while coordinating with the Anti-Terrorism Council to study interim measures until Congress enacts a dedicated law on NVE. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez