Aquino rejects calls to ban video games following recent school violence

SENATOR Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV on Monday rejected proposals to ban video games following recent school violence, saying authorities should instead enforce age restrictions more strictly because online games have become a “convenient scapegoat” for crimes committed by minors.

“There are many games that are not for children,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. “If there is something that needs to be stricter, it should be the access of children to mature video games.”

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro earlier said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is open to proposals banning certain video games after a police investigation found that one of the 14-year-old suspects in the Tacloban shooting played the first-person game Gorebox. The attack killed three students and injured more than 20 others.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center has since ordered the temporary blocking of Gorebox in the Philippines.

“It was discussed that such apps should be banned in the Philippines,” Ms. Castro earlier told reporters. “That is a good suggestion, and I hope immediate legislation will be made, and the President is open to such proposals.”

Mr. Aquino said video games are a form of art and entertainment, although developers should ensure their platforms are protected from online predators and content promoting violent extremism.

“Our rules regarding children and their access to mature video games should also be a bit stricter,” he said. “But banning video games in general or as a whole, I don’t think that’s a good solution to our problems.”

The Tacloban shooting followed separate stabbing incidents at schools in Cavite on June 16 and June 19, including one in which a 14-year-old allegedly attacked seven Grade 5 pupils with a kitchen knife. Batangas City Integrated High School also suspended classes on June 29 after receiving shooting threats.

Meanwhile, Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said her committee would investigate the Tacloban incident on July 1.

Gorebox developer Felix Filip declined the panel’s invitation to attend the hearing, but said in an e-mail that the game “is classified 18+ and is not intended for, or directed at, minors,” the senator said, citing the game developer. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel