PNP welcomes 8chan creator’s willingness to talk to authorities

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday welcomed the remark of the creator of online message board forum 8chan that he was open to cooperate with the authorities about the platform, which is now being linked to mass shooting incidents.

"We welcome the availability of the founder of 8chan for possible interview to share relevant information that can assist in our investigation," PNP spokesman Brigadier General Bernard Banac told GMA News Online.

According to Banac, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group's investigation about 8chan is still ongoing. He noted that the police's actions "may be limited only to what our mandate under Philippine laws provide."

It was earlier reported that the gunman of the shooting incident in El Paso, Texas used 8chan before perpetrating the attack. Suspect Patrick Crusius, had posted a four-page statement on 8chan hours before attacking a Walmart shop.

The suspect described the attack as "a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas."

Fredrick Brennan, creator of 8chan who lives in the Philippines, already expressed willingness to talk to authorities about the messaging forum.

"If the PNP wants to talk to me, no problem at all. I will tell them anything I know," Brennan said.

"If I could go back and not create 8chan at all, I probably would," he added.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde said police could order the closure of 8chan depending on the content of the online message board as well as the extent of its activities.

He also said there must be a formal complaint against it. — MDM, GMA News