Gaming App Blocked Amid School Shooting Probe
The Philippines has initiated a temporary block on the gaming application Gorebox. This action follows an initial investigation into a recent school shooting where a 14-year-old suspect was identified as a player of the game. The incident, which occurred in Tacloban, southeast of Manila, resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to 20 others after two suspects, aged 15 and 14, allegedly discharged firearms inside a classroom.
According to its Google Play listing, Gorebox is described as a game where players can "obliterate anything [they] desire" and "engage in brutal combat with an extensive arsenal of weapons and explosives." The country's cyber-security agency stated, "We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident." Aboy Paraiso, an undersecretary at the Cybercrime Investigation and Co-ordinating Centre, added that blocking the game temporarily would allow authorities to "conduct a thorough assessment into whether the platform played any role in the actions of the suspects."
While scientific studies have not established a direct link between video games and violent behavior, Gorebox is a first-person shooter game with an R18 rating from the International Age Rating Coalition due to its extremely violent and explicit content.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Mass shootings are uncommon in the Philippines, although gun-related crimes do occur. The recent incident is particularly unusual given the age of the suspects. Murder charges were filed against the 15-year-old suspect, while the 14-year-old is too young to be charged under Philippine law. Police spokesman Allan Rae Co indicated that the younger suspect appeared to have been "heavily influenced" by online content and had previously posted violent material online.
The firearms used in the shooting were traced to relatives of the suspects. The 9mm pistol allegedly fired by the 14-year-old belonged to his aunt, a policewoman who has since been suspended. The 15-year-old's .38 caliber weapon was registered to his grandfather's security agency. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects claimed they were bullied at school, and police believe the shooting was a planned event.
A friend of the 15-year-old suspect, speaking anonymously, described him as someone who would not tolerate insults and had a disciplined demeanor, possibly influenced by his grandfather. The friend also noted the suspect's apparent knowledge of guns.
Calls for Stricter Regulations and Security Reviews
In response to the Tacloban shooting, Philippine senators plan to continue an existing investigation into the impact of online violence on children. Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed concerns that online platforms have become "nests for brainwashing and radicalising our youth."
Joy Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City, highlighted the need for reviewing security protocols and conducting drills in schools to prepare children for such emergencies. Education Minister Sonny Angara voiced the government's concern, aiming to prevent a situation akin to the United States, where there have been worries about copycat incidents.
Source: Philippines bans video game played by alleged high school shooter