The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called for the permanent ban of the online game Gorebox in the Philippines, linking violent digital content to recent school-related incidents in Tacloban City and nearby areas.
Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame on Thursday, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said games that promote violence should not be allowed to operate in the country, citing concerns over their potential impact on young users.
“I believe also that games espousing violence like Gorebox should be permanently banned from the Philippines,” he said, adding that such platforms may “desensitize young people to violence and death.”
The statement comes in the aftermath of the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where two male students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire, killing three classmates and injuring 20 others.
Remulla said initial information indicated that the suspects were avid players of Gorebox, a sandbox-style online game known for its violent gameplay mechanics.
He also cited a separate case involving a 14-year-old female student from Tolosa, Leyte, who was recently apprehended after allegedly issuing threats of violence against classmates, and was likewise reported to be a fan of the same game.
“They are all avid fans of Gorebox. Parents should monitor their children; that game is very dangerous,” he said.
Authorities have not yet established a definitive causal link between the game and the incidents, but Remulla said the government must take preventive steps to limit exposure of minors to violent digital content while investigations continue.