Philippine Authorities Increase Monitoring of Violent Video Games After School Shooting

• •The PNP and CICC are monitoring violent online games after a school shooting in Tacloban.
• •Three students were killed and 20 injured in the June 22 incident involving two minor suspects.
• •GoreBox, a game played by one suspect, is under investigation and temporarily blocked nationwide.

Following a tragic school shooting in Tacloban City on June 22, 2026, where three students were killed and 20 injured, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are intensifying their scrutiny of violent online games. The investigation is focusing on the sandbox game GoreBox, which one of the minor suspects frequently played. PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that this initiative aims to protect minors from harmful online content. The CICC has temporarily blocked GoreBox while assessing its potential influence on the suspects' behavior. The PNP plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including educators and advocacy groups, to develop effective interventions. This incident has prompted a broader review of online safety measures for children in the digital space.