Philippine Officials Temporarily Block Gaming App After School Shooting

Philippine authorities ordered a temporary block on the online gaming app Gorebox after two suspects in a school shooting said they used the platform. The order took effect Tuesday and will let officials assess whether the app played any role in the incident.

Three students were killed and 20 others wounded when the 14- and 15-year-old suspects opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban city on Monday. Police recovered at least 40 shell casings at the scene. 38 caliber revolver from a security agency employee.

Regional police said the suspects told investigators they carried out the attack in retaliation for being bullied at school. A full investigation ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will examine all evidence, including possible online influences.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center said the app, launched in 2023 and marketed as a physics-driven sandbox game, will remain blocked while officials determine its possible connection to the shooting. Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso stated the center cannot ignore possible online influences that may have contributed to the incident.

The suspects will be turned over to government welfare officers because of their age. Under a 2006 law, the 14-year-old is exempt from criminal prosecution. The school had inadequate security for its 1,600 students, allowing the suspects to bring firearms onto campus.