Philippine authorities announced Tuesday they will temporarily block the online game app Gorebox, which was avidly used by one of two students accused in a deadly school shooting, to assess its potential influence on violent behavior.
The decision follows a shooting Monday at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city, where two suspects, aged 14 and 15, opened fire with handguns. Three students were killed and 20 others were injured. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center stated that the police investigation indicated one of the suspects frequently played Gorebox. The temporary block, effective Tuesday, aims to determine "whether the platform played any role in the actions of the suspects."
"We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident," said Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso of the cybercrime center. The duration of the block was not specified. Gorebox, launched in 2023, is marketed as a "physics-driven sandbox game where creativity meets unrestrained destruction."
Paraiso added that authorities are reinforcing monitoring efforts to identify online spaces that could pose risks to young users and ensure immediate interventions. "Our priority is the safety and well-being of Filipino children exposed to the internet."
Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the suspects told investigators they were retaliating for being bullied. However, a thorough investigation ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will examine all potential factors, including the influence of online groups promoting rebellion and violence.
Investigators recovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. Police confirmed the dead and wounded were all students. The two underage suspects are to be turned over to government welfare officers after the investigation.
Under a 2006 Philippine law, the 14-year-old suspect would be exempt from criminal prosecution unless authorities determine they were fully aware of the crime and its repercussions, as the minimum age for criminal liability is 15. The investigation into the firearms revealed one 9 mm pistol was taken from an aunt who is a police officer, and the other .38 caliber revolver was obtained from an employee of a security agency. Police noted the school's inadequate security measures for its 1,600 students allowed the weapons onto campus.
School shootings are relatively rare in the Philippines, though crimes involving firearms are prevalent due to the proliferation of unlicensed weapons.