MANILA, Philippines — Philippine authorities are investigating reports that students were recruited through the online game Roblox to allegedly carry out violent acts, with police confirming they foiled a planned school attack in Laguna involving seven teenagers.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group revealed that five boys and two girls, aged 12 to 17, were rescued after being radicalized by foreign handlers they met on Roblox. The students were allegedly plotting a school shooting, which was prevented after officers received a tip-off earlier this year.

Authorities confiscated mobile phones from the suspects, uncovering extremist-related materials, including disturbing online posts such as “I will burn down my school.” The minors have since been turned over to social workers for rehabilitation and counseling.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are closely monitoring the situation, while lawmakers have raised concerns about the safety of children in online gaming platforms. GMA Integrated News reported that Roblox could face a nationwide ban during Holy Week as part of efforts to curb recruitment and exploitation of young players.

Cybersecurity experts warn that extremist groups are increasingly exploiting online games to indoctrinate children, citing findings from the Global Network on Extremism and Technology that highlight how platforms like Roblox can expose minors to identity-based hate and violent ideologies.

The incident has sparked calls for stronger parental supervision and digital safeguards. Analysts stress that parents should monitor their children’s online activities, encourage open communication, and set boundaries on gaming to prevent exposure to harmful influences.

This ongoing investigation underscores the urgent need for tighter regulation of online platforms and proactive measures to protect Filipino youth from digital radicalization.

Image from Roblox