Tacloban shooting: Philippines bans gaming app Gorebox played by teenage suspect

June 25, 2026 - 12:50

The Philippine government has moved to ban the mobile game Gorebox following a tragic shooting in Tacloban City where a 17-year-old suspect reportedly played the app before the attack. Authorities confirmed the teenager used a handgun to open fire at a local checkpoint, killing one person and wounding several others before being subdued.

Gorebox, available on Google Play, markets itself as a sandbox-style game where "creativity meets unrestrained destruction." Players can build environments and then demolish them using a variety of weapons and explosives. Critics have long argued the game glorifies violence and desensitizes young users to real-world harm.

In response to the incident, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation ordered an immediate block on the app, citing public safety concerns. The National Telecommunications Commission also directed internet service providers to restrict access to Gorebox nationwide. Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter regulations on violent content in mobile games accessible to minors.

The suspect, who cannot be named due to his age, is in police custody. Investigators are looking into whether the game influenced his actions or provided a blueprint for the attack. The ban has sparked debate about the limits of digital entertainment and the responsibility of app stores to vet content for potential harm.