Govt blocks game and probes Tacloban school attack

In a formal statement issued on Tuesday, the agency noted that the swift regulatory action was prompted by initial findings wherein the digital application was found to be frequently used by one of the Grade 9 suspects. The attack at San Jose National High School, which transpired from June 22 to June 23, left three students dead and twenty others injured.

The center announced that the application would be blocked temporarily as a precautionary measure pending a full investigation. GoreBox, which was first launched in 2023, is described as a physics-driven sandbox environment containing extreme visual imageries that allow users to experiment with virtual weapons. Officials warned that prolonged exposure to such unstructured digital environments might result to aggressive tendencies in minors unless rigorous parental supervision is implemented.

Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso emphasized the institutional responsibility of the state to shield children from harmful media. "We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident," the undersecretary stated, adding that a thorough assessment is necessary to help the devastated local community cope up with the aftermath of the violence.

During a phone interview, Police Regional Office Director Brigadier General Jayson Capoy confirmed the regular engagement of the minor suspect with the platform. It was stated by investigators that a history of playing the violent game was observed, although definitive conclusions regarding the exact motive have yet to be established by authorities. Police cordoned off a security perimeter of 1.5km around the campus to safely secure physical evidences and interview over one hundred twenty students, teachers and local officials.

Moving forward, the center directed its internal threat monitoring division to intensify the surveillance of youth online activities in strict coordination with the Council for the Welfare of Children. The monitoring initiative would evaluate platforms possessing similar characteristics, e.g., multiplayer combat simulators and sandbox shooters, to ensure that appropriate systemic interventions are made immediately.