In brief
Three students were killed and 20 wounded in a Tacloban high school shooting involving two teenage gunmen. Authorities found that one suspect had been playing the online shooter Gorebox, leading to a swift ban on the app while investigations continue. The cyber‑security agency highlighted possible online influence and called for a thorough assessment. Filipino senators and officials called for stricter gun access laws for minors and stricter online content regulation.
The Philippine government has temporarily blocked the gaming app Gorebox after investigators discovered that a teenage suspect in a rare school shooting was playing the game.
On Monday, two 15‑ and 14‑year‑old boys allegedly fired handguns inside a classroom at San Jose National High School in Tacloban, killing three students and wounding 20 others. Police released the first suspect’s file late Tuesday and announced a murder charge for the 15‑year‑old. The 14‑year‑old was too young for criminal charges under Philippine law, but investigators say he was “heavily influenced” by online content.
The 14‑year‑old reportedly used a 9mm pistol that belonged to his aunt, a suspended policewoman, while the 15‑year‑old fired a .38 that was registered to his grandfather’s security agency. Both suspects had posted violent content online prior to the incident.
In the days following the shooting, the country’s cyber‑security agency, the Cybercrime Investigation and Co‑ordinating Centre, said it would conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the game played a role in the suspects’ actions. “We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident,” said under‑secretary Aboy Paraiso.
Influenced by Online Content
Police chief Allan Rae Co said the boy “was heavily influenced” by online content and that the shooting appeared to have been planned. He added that the boys had holed themselves up in the school bathroom before firing. “All indications point to the fact that it was planned,” he said.
Brainwashing Children
Senator Risa Hontiveros said online platforms have become “nests for brainwashing and radicalising our youth.” She urged the government to act before another victim emerges. Education Minister Sonny Angara added that the country wants to avoid copy‑cat incidents seen elsewhere.
Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City called for a review of security protocols and said drills and simulations are essential for children to respond in emergencies.
