Days after the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University involving a Grade 8 student, which killed two students, including the student shooter, authorities are considering investigating all angles that led to the attack.
As the investigation progresses, one question has been raised as authorities search for a motive: Did social media and video games influence the student to stage such an attack?
The question emerged as the shooter livestreamed his attack using a body-worn camera.
According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, investigators were examining the student’s gadgets and suggested that the online game Roblox may have influenced the way he carried out the attack.
But authorities have not established that this caused the shooting.
What we know so far about the attack
The shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University was the second fatal shooting in the Philippines in less than two months.
This led to concerns over school safety in a country where such attacks remain relatively rare.
According to the initial investigation, the student entered the campus with firearms and began shooting.
Authorities later said he moved to another floor and died from a gunshot wound.
As of now, police are investigating the motives behind the attack.
Statements from teachers of the student claimed that the shooter did not have any problematic behaviour and had a high academic standing.
Reports said the student used his father’s gun issued by the Bureau of Customs. His father is a customs police officer in the Port of Zamboanga.
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How video games became part of the investigation
Remulla said authorities were examining the student’s electronic devices and suggested that Roblox may have influenced him.
He described the attack’s first-person presentation – recorded by a camera attached to the student’s body and livestreamed online – as resembling a video game.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said the attack was livestreamed on a gore and shock-content website as well as Facebook.
The Philippine National Police and the Department of Education have urged the public not to share the sensitive material.
Lawmakers consider stricter rules on social media
The attack has also prompted the government to consider banning social media use among children.
According to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, young people are often exposed to violent content and addictive platforms.
Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also called for legislation that would prohibit children under 16 from using social media.
Lawmakers are also looking to introduce tougher rules for firearm owners.
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Schools strengthen safety measures and support for students
After the shooting, safety measures are expanding beyond school gates as campuses and communities strengthen security while trying to help students cope with the trauma.
The Department of Education said school heads in Zamboanga are tightening security measures and providing support to students and school personnel.
The response is also extending beyond school property. Barangay Tumaga, where Ateneo de Zamboanga University is located, plans to increase the presence of peace officers and members of its Barangay Information Network around schools.
Aside from providing better security, schools are also giving support to students and addressing their trauma.
For Ateneo, the response therefore includes giving students time to recover before returning to regular classes.
Classes were suspended from August 24 to 28, followed by alternative learning activities from September 1 to 4 focused on emotional well-being, reconnection, and readiness to return to school.
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James Mario Ajero 
Wendellyn Mateo