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Advocates Philippines
GoreBox Blocked After Tacloban Tragedy
Gorebox FILE
MANILA — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has ordered the temporary blocking of the online game GoreBox following the deadly attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 others injured.
The move came after investigators found that one of the Grade 9 students involved in the incident frequently played the game, which is known for its graphic violence and the availability of various weapons. Authorities, however, emphasized that no direct connection between the game and the attack has been established and that the investigation remains ongoing.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos Paraiso said the agency decided to impose the temporary ban as a precaution while authorities assess whether the game may have influenced the suspects.
The CICC said it could not ignore the possibility that online content may have contributed to the tragedy and that blocking the game would allow investigators to conduct a thorough assessment of its possible role in the incident.
Police Regional Office 8 Director Brig. Gen. Jayson Capoy earlier disclosed that one of the minors involved in the attack regularly played GoreBox. Investigators have also revealed that the assault appeared to have been planned months before it was carried out.
Originally launched in 2023, GoreBox is a sandbox game that allows players to interact with objects and use a variety of weapons and explosives in highly graphic scenarios. The game has drawn criticism because of its violent content and has reignited discussions about children's access to online games.
Aside from the temporary ban, the CICC said it has intensified monitoring of GoreBox and similar platforms through its Threat Monitoring Center in coordination with the Council for the Welfare of Children.
Authorities said the government’s priority is to protect young internet users and to identify online spaces that may pose risks to children and teenagers.
The agency also encouraged the public to report cyberbullying and other harmful online activities as authorities continue investigating the Tacloban tragedy.
The temporary ban has sparked debate over the possible effects of violent video games on behavior. Experts, however, have cautioned against drawing conclusions too quickly, noting that factors such as mental health, family environment and social influences should also be considered in understanding acts of violence.
The Tacloban incident has become one of the deadliest school attacks in recent Philippine history, prompting calls for stronger safeguards both online and inside schools.
The move came after investigators found that one of the Grade 9 students involved in the incident frequently played the game, which is known for its graphic violence and the availability of various weapons. Authorities, however, emphasized that no direct connection between the game and the attack has been established and that the investigation remains ongoing.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos Paraiso said the agency decided to impose the temporary ban as a precaution while authorities assess whether the game may have influenced the suspects.
The CICC said it could not ignore the possibility that online content may have contributed to the tragedy and that blocking the game would allow investigators to conduct a thorough assessment of its possible role in the incident.
Police Regional Office 8 Director Brig. Gen. Jayson Capoy earlier disclosed that one of the minors involved in the attack regularly played GoreBox. Investigators have also revealed that the assault appeared to have been planned months before it was carried out.
Originally launched in 2023, GoreBox is a sandbox game that allows players to interact with objects and use a variety of weapons and explosives in highly graphic scenarios. The game has drawn criticism because of its violent content and has reignited discussions about children's access to online games.
Aside from the temporary ban, the CICC said it has intensified monitoring of GoreBox and similar platforms through its Threat Monitoring Center in coordination with the Council for the Welfare of Children.
Authorities said the government’s priority is to protect young internet users and to identify online spaces that may pose risks to children and teenagers.
The agency also encouraged the public to report cyberbullying and other harmful online activities as authorities continue investigating the Tacloban tragedy.
The temporary ban has sparked debate over the possible effects of violent video games on behavior. Experts, however, have cautioned against drawing conclusions too quickly, noting that factors such as mental health, family environment and social influences should also be considered in understanding acts of violence.
The Tacloban incident has become one of the deadliest school attacks in recent Philippine history, prompting calls for stronger safeguards both online and inside schools.
Jun 23, 2026
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