PNP backs review of violent video games, cites copycat behavior risk

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday expressed support for a government review of violent video games after the fatal shooting incident at a Tacloban City high school.

“The PNP recognizes the need to examine the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents, particularly following recent incidents of youth violence that have alarmed the public,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.

“While violent behavior is often driven by multiple factors, we cannot ignore the possibility that certain forms of content may contribute to the normalization of violence and increase the risk of imitation or copycat behavior,” he added.

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READ: Permanent ban on violent video games pressed after Tacloban shooting

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The Tacloban City incident involved two students, aged 14 and 15, who opened fire inside the San Jose National High School campus last Monday morning, killing three students. At least 20 others were wounded.

The PNP previously said both suspects were allegedly influenced by the game GoreBox in launching the gun attack, prompting the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to temporarily ban the game.

For its part, in a statement sent in an email to the Inquirer last Thursday, the developer of GoreBox, F2 Games, pledged cooperation with Philippine authorities’ investigation but maintained that the game was designed for adult audiences.

Nonetheless, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla pushed for a permanent ban on “violent” games, citing the “desensitizing of the youth to elements of death, violence and murder.”

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“The Philippine National Police supports a thorough and evidence-based study of the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents,” Nartatez said.

“We believe any proposal, including restrictions or a ban, should be carefully evaluated by Congress and relevant agencies to ensure that policies are grounded in research and the best interests of our youth,” he added. /gsg

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