CICC Confirms 24 Filipino Minors Rescued from '764' Extremist Network as Gorebox Faces Permanent Ban

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center has confirmed the rescue of 24 Filipino minors from the violent 764 extremist network that preys on children through online games. This development follows the tragic Tacloban school shooting and raises urgent questions about child safety in digital spaces across the country. Communities in provinces nationwide are now confronting the hidden dangers that have infiltrated their homes and schools.

CICC Confirms 24 Filipino Minors Rescued from '764' Extremist Network as Gorebox Faces Permanent Ban

Manila, Philippines — In an interview on ANC 24/7 Headstart with Karen Davila, CICC Executive Director Renato "Aboy" Paraiso detailed how the agency has worked with the Philippine National Police and the FBI to pull 24 Filipino minors out of the influence of the 764 network between October 2025 and July 2026. The network, designated by the FBI as a significant national security threat, has been active in the Philippines since at least October 2025 and uses violent online games to groom children toward extremism.

The 764 Network and Its Seven-Layer Recruitment

The 764 network operates through a structured seven-layer process that begins with grooming in popular online games and moves toward isolation, coercion, and eventually pushing children to commit violent acts. Local groomers based in Philippine provinces actively scan gaming platforms to identify vulnerable targets, often young students from barangay communities. Encrypted platforms and sophisticated algorithms help the network avoid detection by authorities and parents alike.

Link to the Tacloban School Shooting

Experts now believe the June 2026 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban may represent the first completed 764 attack anywhere in the world. The 14-year-old suspect was identified as a regular Gorebox player, and the incident has placed the Philippines at the center of the network's testing ground activities. Parents in Tacloban have since reported children suddenly withdrawing from school and family activities, signs that echo the isolation tactics used by groomers.

Rescue Operations Across Provinces

CICC teams coordinated closely with PNP rescuers to remove children from provinces where active groomers were operating. These operations focused on protecting ordinary Filipino families whose children had been drawn into the network through seemingly harmless gaming sessions. The rescues highlight how the threat has reached even remote barangays, affecting students and parents who previously felt safe in their own homes.

Gorebox and the Path to a Permanent Ban

Following the Tacloban incident, CICC temporarily blocked Gorebox as a precautionary measure in June 2026. Both the Google Play Store and Steam have since restricted the game in the Philippines. Developer Felix Filip, based in Germany, failed to attend a Senate investigation, prompting authorities to consider making the ban permanent unless the developer implements robust safety features similar to those previously required of Roblox.

Senate Probe Led by Senator Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who leads the Senate Committee probe, clarified that her call was for a thorough investigation rather than an outright ban. Lawmakers are examining how gaming platforms can be held accountable while protecting the rights of young Filipinos. The hearings have brought renewed attention to the need for stronger safeguards that prioritize community well-being over corporate interests.

Human Impact on Families and Students

Across Tacloban and other affected areas, parents describe the heartbreak of watching their children pull away from family meals and school responsibilities. Students who once enjoyed after-class play now face psychological scars from exposure to extremist content. These stories underscore the urgent need for barangay-level support systems that can help families recognize early warning signs of online radicalization.

Push for Permanent Safety Features on Gaming Platforms

Executive Director Paraiso emphasized that CICC will continue pressing gaming platforms to adopt permanent safety measures that prevent groomers from reaching Filipino children. The agency remains committed to working with international partners like the FBI to dismantle the 764 network. Communities across the nation are rallying behind these efforts, determined to protect the next generation from hidden online threats.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer