The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday expressed support for a thorough, evidence-based government review of violent video games, warning that prolonged exposure to such content could contribute to copycat behavior among vulnerable minors.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization recognizes the need to examine the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents following recent incidents of youth violence that have alarmed the public.

The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen measures that protect children, promote responsible digital engagement, enhance school safety, and prevent acts of violence involving the youth.

"The Philippine National Police supports a thorough and evidence-based study of the possible effects of violent video games on children and adolescents. We believe any proposal, including restrictions or a ban, should be carefully evaluated by Congress and relevant agencies to ensure that policies are grounded in research and the best interests of our youth," Nartatez said.

Earlier, Remulla called on Congress and relevant government agencies to study possible measures against violent video games, including a potential ban on titles such as Gorebox.

The call came after a school shooting in Tacloban City involving 14- and 15-year-old suspects left three students dead and several others injured.

Nartatez said the PNP remains cautious about drawing conclusions on the causes of violent behavior but acknowledged concerns that certain forms of content may influence vulnerable individuals.

"The PNP recognizes concerns that repeated exposure to violent content may influence some vulnerable individuals, particularly minors," he said.

"While violent behavior is often driven by multiple factors, we cannot ignore the possibility that certain forms of content may contribute to the normalization of violence and increase the risk of imitation or copycat behavior," he added.

To bolster school safety efforts, Nartatez directed all Police Regional Offices and local police units to strengthen coordination with schools, administrators, and local government units on campus security and threat monitoring.

He also ordered the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor publicly accessible online spaces where school violence, copycat attacks, or violent extremist content may be glorified.

"We encourage parents, schools, and communities to take an active role in monitoring children's online activities and promoting responsible digital engagement. Protecting our youth requires a whole-of-society approach involving families, educators, law enforcement, and policymakers," Nartatez said.