Tacloban shooting suspect's violent behavior linked to online game GoreBox

The Philippine National Police is looking into the possibility that the violent behavior of one of the two minor suspects in Monday's fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City may have been influenced by the online game GoreBox.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday, Police Brig. Gen. Jayson Capoy, director of the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas, said the 14-year-old suspect had been playing GoreBox, a sandbox-style game that allows players to create and destroy objects and simulate chaos using various weapons.

Investigators are also looking into reports that the attack may have been rooted in bullying, based on the suspects’ initial statements.

Capoy clarified that the death toll remained at three, while 20 others were injured. Of the injured, 15 sustained gunshot wounds, while the rest were hurt while trying to escape, police said.

The two suspects, aged 14 and 15, both Grade 9 students and reportedly close friends, allegedly entered two classrooms and opened fire on their schoolmates before they were arrested.

Police recovered a Glock pistol and a .38-caliber revolver from the scene. One of the firearms was reportedly issued to a police officer relative, who is now under investigation.

The Department of Education has since coordinated with local authorities and social welfare agencies to provide medical and psychosocial support to affected students and school personnel.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full investigation and heightened security measures in schools and other public areas.—MCG, GMA News