Tacloban school shooting prompts gov’t review of violent video games

Marcos Jelo Apolinario

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has backed a government review of violent video games after the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City, saying the initiative seeks to determine whether exposure to violent digital content may contribute to harmful behavior among minors. 

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the PNP supports a “thorough and evidence-based study” on the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents.  

He added that any proposal, including possible restrictions or a ban, should be carefully evaluated by Congress and relevant government agencies.

This comes after the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two minors opened fire inside the campus, leaving three students dead and around 20 others injured.

Authorities disclosed that the suspects had allegedly been influenced by GoreBox, a sandbox-style video game that contains violent content. 

The game came under scrutiny after investigators examined the suspect’s online activities following the shooting.

Investigators, however, emphasized that they have not established that the game directly caused the attack and are continuing to determine whether it was one of several factors involved in the incident.

Following the shooting, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) temporarily blocked access to GoreBox while authorities continued assessing its possible connection to the case.

Nartatez said the PNP recognizes concerns that repeated exposure to violent content may influence some vulnerable individuals, particularly minors. 

He added that while violent behavior is often driven by multiple factors, authorities cannot ignore the possibility that certain forms of content may contribute to the normalization of violence and increase risk of imitation or copycat behavior. 

Police also said that the suspects allegedly carried out the attack after experiencing bullying. 

Authorities further disclosed that the firearms used in the shooting were traced to family members of suspects.

Police said the 9mm pistol used by the 14-year-old suspect was owned by his aunt, a police officer while the .38 caliber revolver used by the 15-year-old suspect was traced to a security agency connected to his grandfather, a former security guard. 

Other officials’ calls

The incident has since prompted calls for discussion on strict measures on violent video games. 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged the government to consider a permanent ban on violent video games, saying games that depict graphic violence should no longer be accessible, particularly to minors. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also expressed openness to studying possible restrictions on violent online games, stating that the government would first await the recommendation of the concerned agencies before deciding on possible policy measures.

Marcos emphasized that any action taken should be based on the outcome of the ongoing review.

Malacañang said the government is willing to consider recommendations from concerned agencies once the investigation has been completed.

As investigations into the Tacloban shooting continue, authorities maintain that the review of violent video games is part of the government’s effort to examine measures aimed at protecting minors and preventing similar incidents.