The Philippine National Police backed calls for a review of violent video games following the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Nartatez said Friday that the possible impact of violent video games on children and teenagers should be examined in light of recent cases of youth violence.
Nartatez said violent behavior may come from several factors, but authorities should not dismiss concerns that some content could make violence appear normal or encourage imitation.
The statement came after two students, aged 14 and 15, allegedly opened fire inside the Tacloban school campus last Monday.
Three students were killed while at least 20 others were wounded in the attack.
The PNP earlier said the two minors were allegedly influenced by the game GoreBox, prompting the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to impose a temporary ban on the game.
F2 Games, the developer of GoreBox, said it would cooperate with Philippine authorities in the investigation but maintained that the game was intended for adult audiences.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla had pushed for a permanent ban on violent games, while Nartatez said any proposal for restrictions should be carefully studied by Congress and concerned agencies based on evidence and the welfare of young people.
