MANILA — The developer of the online game GoreBox has refused to attend the Senate’s investigation into the deadly Tacloban City school shooting, prompting Sen. Risa Hontiveros to seek the assistance of the German Embassy in an effort to secure his participation in the July 1 hearing.
In a statement released Friday, Hontiveros said GoreBox developer Felix Filip, who is reportedly based in Germany, informed the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality that he would not participate in the inquiry, either in person or through video conferencing.
The Senate inquiry stems from the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte, where two students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire inside the campus, killing three fellow students and injuring 20 others.
The two minors are currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
In an email to the committee secretariat, Filip emphasized that GoreBox is not intended for children.
“The game is classified 18+ and is not intended for, or directed at minors,” he said.
Filip also conveyed his sympathies to those affected by the tragedy.
“I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims, to the students and staff of San Jose National High School, and to the wider community in Tacloban City. What happened on 22 June is a profound tragedy, and those affected by it deserve to be at the centre of this matter,” he wrote.
Hontiveros said she was disappointed by the developer’s decision to decline the invitation.
“Nakakadismaya na pinili ni Mr. Filip na huwag dumalo sa darating na hearing namin lalo na’t marami sana akong gustong malaman mula sa kanya mismo,” she said.
“My committee remains open to facilitate his attendance and participation in our investigation in case he changes his mind. Hindi dito nagtatapos ang aming pagnanais na marinig siya,” she added.
The senator said she intends to question Filip on GoreBox’s safety mechanisms, age-verification measures, and content moderation policies.
Hontiveros also reminded foreign-based online platforms and game developers that doing business in the Philippines comes with corresponding obligations.
“Any developer or online company that wants to operate here, profit from Filipino users, and reach Filipino children must respect our laws and our institutions. This should be the bare minimum for them to do business here. Kung ayaw nilang kilalanin, mananagot rin sila,” she said.
The lawmaker clarified that the Senate is not concluding that GoreBox alone caused the Tacloban tragedy but is seeking to determine whether the game may have contributed to the incident.
She added that the hearing will also examine possible online grooming, radicalization, and the normalization of violence through digital platforms./PN
