By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is exploring the possibility that the deadly shooting at a Tacloban City school may be connected to a form of violent extremism, warning against reducing the incident to a simple case of bullying.
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said investigators are studying whether the attack bears signs of what experts call nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), a growing phenomenon associated with senseless acts of violence often fueled by online influences rather than traditional political or ideological causes.
“We should not oversimplify this tragedy,” Martinez told reporters on Tuesday. “If there are indicators of nihilistic violent extremism, then we must examine them seriously.”
The DOJ official stressed that understanding the motivations behind the attack is crucial in preventing similar incidents from happening again.
Authorities are looking into reports that one of the minor suspects had been regularly exposed to violent online material and graphic gaming content.
Martinez said young people can be highly susceptible to harmful influences found on the internet, particularly through online communities that glorify violence and destruction.
He pointed to previous international cases, including the infamous Columbine High School shooting in the United States, where exposure to violent ideas and destructive behavior became part of the discussion surrounding the tragedy.
Investigators are now examining whether similar behavioral patterns may have played a role in the Tacloban incident.
The issue gained further attention after police disclosed that one of the suspects had reportedly played “GoreBox,” a controversial game featuring graphic violence and destruction.
In response, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) imposed a temporary restriction on the game while authorities determine whether it had any influence on the actions of the suspects.
Officials emphasized, however, that no final conclusions have been reached and that the investigation remains ongoing.
Martinez also explained the legal framework governing minors involved in criminal incidents.
Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, children below the age of 15 are exempt from criminal liability and are instead placed under rehabilitation and intervention programs.
For minors aged 15 to 18, authorities must determine whether they acted with discernment — a legal standard that assesses whether the individual understood the consequences and wrongfulness of their actions.
Investigators are currently evaluating evidence and circumstances surrounding the attack to determine the extent of accountability of those involved.
The shooting, which occurred on June 22, left three people dead and 20 others injured, according to the latest figures released by the Philippine National Police and the Tacloban City government.
Among the injured, 15 suffered gunshot wounds while five others sustained injuries during the panic and confusion that followed the attack.
As investigators continue their work, government agencies are also examining broader issues involving youth mental health, online radicalization, violent digital content, and school safety measures.
The DOJ said the objective is not only to establish responsibility for the crime but also to identify warning signs and intervention strategies that could help prevent future tragedies involving young people.
ia/xf
