Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality sounded a massive alarm on July 1, revealing that a violent extremist group is actively radicalizing Filipino youth through popular gaming platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Gorebox. 

Senators launched the intense inquiry following the June 22, 2026 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two Grade 9 students tragically killed three classmates and injured several others. 

Investigators uncovered digital trails directly linking the shooters to "764," a nihilistic, Texas-originated extremist group designated as a terrorist organization in Canada and flagged as a national security threat by the FBI.

Committee chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros exposed how these predatory networks meticulously target minors by offering a false sense of belonging. 

Once hooked, children are ruthlessly pushed into escalating acts of cruelty, including animal abuse, producing graphic pornography, and committing suicide or mass violence. 

The Senate panel is currently scrutinizing these highly organized online grooming pipelines to craft urgent legislative reforms, aiming to dismantle the networks before they can claim more young lives.

Defending the broader gaming community, Hontiveros clarified that the investigation targets the hidden predators exploiting these digital spaces, not the platforms themselves.

"Let me be clear. I am not calling for a total ban on online games. Wala akong sinasabi na ang naglalaro ng games ay gagawa ng karahasan in real life. Fake news po iyon. Maraming kabataan ang naglalaro para magpahinga, makipagkaibigan, matuto at maglibang. Malinaw po sa achi hindi ang game o gaming community ang kalaban. Tungkol ito sa mga panganib na pwedeng kaharapin ng mga bata habang naglalaro at nakikipag-usap online," Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed.

‍

PASAY CITY—Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on July 1, declared a youth mental health and school safety crisis following a recent wave of school violence, including a deadly shooting at Jose National High School in Tacloban City. 

Speaking at a Senate committee hearing, Go warned that these violent incidents require immediate legislative and administrative intervention to protect students nationwide. 

He emphasized that the situation has escalated beyond a routine law enforcement problem, demanding a comprehensive national response.

During the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearing, the lawmaker reclassified the violence as a critical public health issue. 

Go directly linked the spike in school attacks to a severe nationwide shortage of guidance counselors and child psychiatrists, leaving students without essential psychological support. 

He argued that treating these tragedies strictly as peace and order violations ignores the deeper emotional and psychological distress affecting Filipino youth.

To combat the crisis, Go pushed for aggressive legislative action, including his filed Senate Bill 176 (the State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act of 2025) and Republic Act 1280. 

As an immediate stopgap measure, he proposed hiring 10,000 school counselor associates across the country to bridge the severe staffing gap. 

Additionally, the senator called for a visible yet non-intimidating police presence around campuses to deter potential attackers and ensure immediate physical security for students.

‍

PASAY CITY—The Senate is officially shifting into high gear as it prepares to transform into an impeachment court. 

Senate President Win Gatchalian led a comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspection of the Senate facilities and Session Hall on June 30, ensuring the upper chamber is physically and logistically ready for the historic proceedings. 

With the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte scheduled to gavel in on July 6, legislative leaders are racing against the clock to iron out the final details of the high-stakes setup.

Flanked by Senate Secretary Renato N. Bantug Jr. and a team of chamber officials, Gatchalian meticulously reviewed the layout of the main plenary hall where the senators will sit as judges. 

The delegation also mapped out the various committee rooms designated as strategic holding areas. 

These separate spaces will isolate and accommodate the prosecution and defense panels, secure heavy media presence, and house authorized observers tasked with monitoring the trial.

This rigorous walk-through underlines the Senate's commitment to maintaining absolute order, security, and transparency once the trial begins. 

As the nation braces for trial’s opening arguments, Gatchalian’s dry run signals that the upper house is fully equipped to handle the intense political and public scrutiny ahead.

‍

MANILA—The Ombudsman Graftbusters secured a massive victory in the UNTV Cup Season 12 second round of eliminations, turning back a fierce challenge from OP Bagong Pilipinas, 95-89, on July 1 at the Paco Arena. 

The Graftbusters executed down the stretch to pull away in a highly competitive matchup. 

The crucial win solidifies the Graftbusters' rhythm and momentum as the tournament pushes deeper into the high-stakes second phase of the elimination round.

Ombudsman guard Paul Ladia took center stage, earning well-deserved Player of the Game honors with an all-around masterclass. 

Ladia stuffed every single column of the stat line, anchoring his team with a stellar production of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. 

His superb defensive anticipation and brilliant playmaking kept OP Bagong Pilipinas on their heels, effectively neutralizing the opponent's transition game and steering the Graftbusters to the finish line.

Reflecting on the hard-earned victory and the team's chemistry, Ladia credited their steady growth to consistent teamwork and relentless preparation. 

“Tiwala lang kami sa sistema at saka sa ensayo lagi kaming as one; yun lang kaya maganda nilalaro namin, tuloy-tuloy yung panalo,” Ladia shared in a post-game interview. 

With their system clicking and their confidence soaring, the Graftbusters are proving to be a dangerous threat as they aim to sustain their winning streak in the upcoming games.

‍

MANILA—The PNP Responders staged a roaring comeback to edge out the DENR Lawin Patrollers, 77-76, in a heart-stopping second-round elimination match of the UNTV Cup Season 12 on July 1, at the Paco Arena. 

The Responders narrowly escaped with a single-point victory after a grueling battle against the tough-willed Lawin Patrollers. 

The win solidifies PNP’s position as a fierce contender in the tournament, proving their capability to execute under extreme fourth-quarter pressure.

Christian Mateo rose to the occasion, earning the Best Player of the Game honors after spearheading the Responders' offensive surge. 

Mateo delivered a dominant all-around performance, racking up 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

His calm demeanor and scoring efficiency proved vital in navigating the Responders through deep waters and securing the crucial victory against a relentless DENR squad.

Faced with a daunting double-digit deficit during the game, Mateo credited their coaching staff for keeping the team anchored.

“Nung down kami ng 12 points, sabi samin ni Coach, wag kami mawawalan ng puso, composure lang mahahabol din yan. Ibaba lang namin and one stop at a time,” Mateo shared in a post-game interview.

This focus on defensive stops and unwavering heart allowed the Responders to chip away at the lead and ultimately steal the nail-biting win.

‍