Philippines Blocks Video Game After High‑School Shooter Investigation
After a 15‑year‑old and a 14‑year‑old school boys allegedly fired handguns in a Tacloban high‑school classroom, Philippine police uncovered that the younger killer had been playing the violent video game Gorebox.
The government’s cyber‑crime centre temporarily removed the app from app stores, citing the need to assess whether the game encouraged the suspect’s actions. Gorebox is a first‑person shooter with an “R18” rating for extreme violence and is available in both single‑player and online modes.
While no scientific evidence has proven that violent video games cause real‑world aggression, officials say the case shows how online content can influence vulnerable teens. Police investigators noted that the boy had also posted violent material on social media and claimed he was “heavily influenced” by the game’s violent themes.
The incident has sparked calls from senators and local leaders for tighter controls on firearms access for minors and stronger oversight of online platforms. Senator Risa Hontiveros argued that the internet has become a “nest for brainwashing and radicalising our youth.”
The Ministry of Education highlighted the need for emergency drills across schools, while the mayor of Quezon City called for a review of security protocols. The Philippine government warns that a copycat event could occur if online and gun‑culture influences are not addressed.
The decision to block Gorebox is temporary, pending a wider investigation into the platform’s potential impact on the tragic shooting. The case has reignited national debate over how best to protect children from both digital and physical dangers.
