THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) announced on Tuesday, June 23, that it has ordered the blocking of the mobile and computer game GoreBox, which was regularly played by one of the suspects in the recent shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
The decision comes as part of the government’s immediate response to examine all possible factors behind the violence that left three students dead and several others wounded. The agency confirmed that the application will be inaccessible across internet service providers and app stores in the country by the end of the day.
GoreBox is categorized as a chaotic, physics‑driven sandbox game rated 18+ due to its extreme violence, graphic depictions of gore, and unrestricted use of weapons and explosives. It allows players to spawn objects, stage combat scenarios, and simulate destruction in an open‑ended environment. While marketed as a creative simulation tool, authorities noted that its content and mechanics raise serious concerns, especially when accessed by minors, given the nature of the crime committed by the suspect who frequently used the game.
In a statement, CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso explained that the ban is a precautionary measure and not a final judgment. “We cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to this tragic incident. Temporarily blocking the game will allow authorities to conduct a thorough assessment and determine whether the platform played any role in shaping the actions of the suspects,” he said. The review will also evaluate if the game violates local regulations on harmful digital content and if further restrictions are necessary.
The action aligns with the CICC’s existing “zero tolerance” policy against online harms, which covers violent, graphic, and age‑inappropriate content that may affect the behavior of users, particularly children and teenagers. The agency added that the blocking is temporary pending the results of the investigation.
Meanwhile, it also called on parents, guardians, and schools to monitor the digital activities of young people, emphasizing that balancing online freedom with safety is essential to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
