DILG considers ‘Roblox’ ban after AdZU shooting

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla pushed for a nationwide ban on Roblox as investigators examined the alleged online gaming exposure of the Grade 8 student accused of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) shooting that killed two students and wounded at least six others.

During a press conference at AdZU on August 20, he stated that initial findings showed the student acted alone, with investigators finding no conspiracy, organized group or family influence behind the attack.

“As far as we can determine, he acted alone in the sense that he planned, executed and willfully did everything on his own. There was no conspiracy behind it; there was no active group that planned it with him; there was no family influence that made him do the unthinkable,” Remulla noted. 

He added that investigators were also looking into the shooter’s exposure to online games, particularly Roblox, and their possible influence on his behavior.

The secretary also noted that he was supporting a total ban on Roblox, citing what he described as the platform’s link to the dark web and also raised concerns about violent online content and first-person shooter games.

“We are pushing for the total ban on Roblox…Ang Roblox lang kasi ang particular na mayroon siyang link sa dark web,” the DILG secretary said. 

On the other hand, Roblox, however, said in March that it had safeguards for children, including Filipino users, such as filters, age checks, artificial intelligence detection systems, user reporting tools and monitoring teams.

“We have filters designed to block the sharing of personal information, our chat features don’t allow user-to-user image or video sharing, and age checks are required before anyone has access to chat,” Roblox emphasized. 

The shooting occurred on August 18 at the Zamboanga City campus, where a Grade 10 student was killed inside a classroom. 

The suspected shooter later went to the fifth floor, where he reportedly shot himself. Both firearms used in the incident were linked to a Bureau of Customs employee who was the suspect’s father.

Meanwhile, the DILG would discuss stronger accountability measures for firearm owners with House of Representatives leaders next week, particularly the liability of owners whose weapons reach unauthorized users. He urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities.

“Hinihiling ko po sa mga magulang na kasama rin po kayo dito. I-check po ninyo kung ano ang pinapanood nila, kung ano ang nilalaro nila,” Remulla uttered.