MISLEADING: LGUs prompt immediate ban on “potentially violent” video games 

Kyle Samson

A viral Facebook post from “Malacañang Republic,” published on June 27, claims that local government units have issued an immediate ban on numerous video games in light of the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, citing that several lawmakers are “supporting” the ban.

CLAIM:

The post claimed that local government units have issued bans on numerous video games in light of the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, with several lawmakers supporting the ban.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

Amid recent government discussions on the possibility of “potentially violent” video game restrictions in light of the Tacloban school shooting incident, no official government agency has announced or implemented a nationwide ban on the aforementioned video games mentioned in the post. 

As of writing, government discussions pertain only to proposals, studies, and potential bans on video games that might contribute to violence or harm.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has temporarily blocked the French-based video game GoreBox amid pending investigations into its possible connection with one of the suspects. 

There is no official advisory from LGUs, any government agencies, or Malacañang itself ordering the immediate ban of the said video games.

FACTS

• As of writing, GoreBox remains the only video game under temporary restriction from the CICC as authorities continue to investigate its potential influence on one of the suspects in the incident. No identified LGU has issued an official ordinance, executive order, or resolution that immediately bans the games listed in the photo. 
• Following the school shooting incident in Tacloban City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on June 23, noted that he is open to proposals in restricting or banning video games that may be linked to violence; however, there was no specific executive order, law, or local directives that were issued to ban the games shown in the post.
• While the image appears to be of an official Malacañang advisory, it does not correspond to any official press releases issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), other government agencies, or Malacañang itself.
• The image bears a “SATIRE” label in the bottom-right corner, indicating that the post was satirical in purpose and in the form of parody, not an official government advisory. However, when reposted or shared without context, it may lead readers to believe the post is true.

THE BOTTOM LINE

• The viral post is misleading as it presents an unofficial satirical graphic as an authentic government advisory. As of writing, no government agency or local government unit has issued an official directive banning the video games in the image. Presently, the government’s restrictions on video games are limited to the temporary blocking of GoreBox amid ongoing investigations into the incident.