The Department of Education has raised concerns about the growing presence of gang activity among students nationwide, as the agency grapples with school-related violence. The issue has prompted the agency to boost police presence around schools to prevent physical altercations among students. Gang fights often originate from conflicts inside classrooms and can escalate outside school premises. This has resulted in a growing number of people joining the fights, including non-students.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara expressed appreciation for the Philippine National Police's plan to increase visibility in schools, citing the need to address gang activity. He noted that gang membership is on the rise, with some gangs emerging during the pandemic and continuing to operate today. The Secretary emphasized that police presence can help deter gang activity, as students are less likely to assemble when they see police officers.
The agency is also exploring ways to prevent violence among students, including regulating violent online games. The Secretary expressed support for banning games that promote gang behavior and harm, such as Gorebox, a violent physics-driven sandbox and first-person shooter game. He noted that such games can suggest ideas of gang behaviors and other harmful activities, and that experts have experience in this matter.
Gorebox was recently removed from online platforms in the country after being linked to a fatal school shooting in Tacloban City. Authorities reported that one of the perpetrators had been playing the game, which may have contributed to the tragic incident. The Secretary acknowledged that violence is increasing, and that exposure to damaging social media sites, bad influences, and terrorist groups online can be contributing factors.
Despite the growing concerns, the Secretary noted that the number of school-related violence incidents is still relatively low compared to the total number of schools. Authorities have recorded 15 incidents of school-related violence and threats nationwide from June 16 to July 6, including the school shooting in San Jose National High School that resulted in three deaths and injured 20 others.
