The Germany-based developer of Gorebox, a video game linked by authorities to the ongoing investigation into the Tacloban school shooting, has declined to attend the Senate hearing scheduled for July 1.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality confirmed that Felix Filip, who identified himself as an independent developer based in Germany, informed the panel through email that he would not appear—either in person or via online participation.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the committee, said she will seek the assistance of the German Embassy in Manila to facilitate the developer’s possible participation in the inquiry.
“Nakakadismaya na pinili ni Mr. Filip na huwag dumalo sa darating na hearing namin lalo na’t marami sana akong gustong malaman mula sa kanya mismo,” Hontiveros said.
She added that the committee remains open to accommodating his participation should he reconsider.
“My committee remains open to facilitate his attendance and participation in our investigation in case he changes his mind. Hindi dito nagtatapos ang aming pagnanais na marinig siya,” she said.
Filip earlier informed the committee secretariat via email that he would not attend the hearing, including participation through video conferencing.
Focus of Senate inquiry
Hontiveros said the panel sought to question the developer on Gorebox’s safeguards, including age restrictions, content moderation systems, and the potential exposure of young users to violent or harmful online communities.
She stressed that the inquiry is not solely about one game or developer, but about broader accountability standards for digital platforms accessible to Filipino users.
“Any developer or online company that wants to operate here, profit from Filipino users, and reach Filipino children must respect our laws and our institutions,” she said.
The Senate hearing on July 1 is expected to examine wider online factors under investigation in relation to the June 22 Tacloban shooting, including potential exposure to violent content, online grooming risks, and radicalization pathways.
Hontiveros emphasized that while no single game is being blamed for the incident, regulators have a duty to examine whether online environments contributed to the circumstances surrounding the case.
“Hindi natin sinasabing isang laro lang ang dahilan ng trahedya. Pero kung may online environment na maaaring naging bahagi ng pagkakalantad ng mga bata sa karahasan, tungkulin nating siyasatin iyon,” she said.