DILG chief backs law to ban first-person shooter games after school shooting

MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged lawmakers to prioritize legislation banning first-person shooter games, arguing that the violent video game genre warrants regulatory attention following the deadly shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School.

Remulla emphasized that while restricting access to such games would not serve as a complete solution to the nation's gun violence problem, targeted measures addressing specific risk factors remain necessary to address the complex issue comprehensively.

The DILG chief's appeal reflects growing concern among government officials about the potential connection between violent gaming content and real-world violence, particularly among younger demographics. His intervention adds pressure on Congress to consider stricter regulations on video game distribution and marketing in the Philippines.

Remulla's statement underscores broader efforts by the government to examine multiple contributing factors to incidents of armed violence in schools and communities, signaling a multi-pronged approach to public safety rather than reliance on any single intervention.