MANILA — Philippine authorities have temporarily blocked access to the online gaming application GoreBox following a deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, saying the measure is intended to determine whether the platform played any role in the actions of two teenage suspects accused of carrying out the attack.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by the government’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), one day after two students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban, killing three students and injuring about 20 others, according to police and government officials.
CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said investigators had identified one of the suspects as an avid user of GoreBox, a sandbox-style game that features weapons and graphic depictions of violence. Authorities said the temporary restriction would allow investigators to assess any potential connection between online activity and the shooting.
“We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident,” Paraiso said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of Filipino children exposed to the internet.”
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no direct evidence has been presented linking the game to the attack. The CICC said the suspension is a precautionary measure pending further review.
The shooting has prompted broader discussions in the Philippines about school safety, youth mental health, online content and access to firearms. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and called for a review of security measures at educational institutions.
Police said the suspects may have been motivated in part by bullying, although details of their motives remain under investigation. Authorities reported that the weapons used in the attack were obtained from relatives connected to law enforcement and the private security sector. The two minors have been placed under the care of social welfare authorities in accordance with Philippine juvenile justice laws.
The attack is considered unusual in the Philippines, where school shootings are relatively rare despite the continued presence of illegal firearms. Education and health officials have announced plans to review emergency-response procedures and strengthen preparedness measures for schools nationwide.
The developer of GoreBox expressed sympathy for the victims and said the game is intended for adult users, according to media reports. The company has not been accused of wrongdoing.
As of Thursday, the temporary block on GoreBox remained in effect while investigators continued examining the circumstances of the shooting and any potential online influences. Authorities said no determination had been made regarding whether the restriction would become permanent.
