Davao City, Philippines – Ateneo de Zamboanga University declared Wednesday, Aug. 19, a day of mourning and prayer after a shooting at its Junior High School campus left two people dead Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, including the alleged shooter.
University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” Andal Jr. confirmed the fatalities in a statement as authorities continued investigating. Classes at all levels were canceled Tuesday, with the institution prioritizing student safety through immediate evacuation procedures coordinated with local officials.
“As soon as we found out what had happened this morning, all of us in coordination came over, making sure that our students from grade school and junior high school are safely evacuated,” Andal said.
Preventive suspension
The Bureau of Customs placed a customs port police official in Zamboanga under preventive suspension after his child was allegedly involved in the shooting.
Bureau of Customs Deputy Chief of Staff Atty. Chris Bendijo said the official remains suspended while the bureau investigates possible accountability.
Authorities are examining whether firearms belonging to the official were used by his child. The Bureau of Customs has not released further details as the investigation continues.
Gun access, youth violence
Reaction to the incident highlighted broader concerns about gun access and youth violence.
“What is happening?! How was the firearm able to enter the school again?” Mamamayang Liberal (ML) partlist Rep. Leila de Lima asked in her Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
De Lima said it is very alarming that less than two months after the Tacloban school shooting in June, another act of violence like this has occurred.
De Lima added, saying “The bad side of social media and video games exerting pernicious influence on young people are now in full view. Forms of violence never seen before in our country. Urgent and effective safeguards are needed to prevent similar tragic incidents.”
She also extended her condolences to the families of the victims, offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, and called for necessary support for all affected students, parents, teachers and personnel involved in the incident.
‘Under control’
Zamboanga City officials said they are coordinating with the school administration and the Zamboanga City Police Office.
“We assure the public that the situation is under control and appropriate security measures are in place. The safety of our students, teachers and school communities remains our highest priority,” a city statement said.
The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed grave concern over the shooting at the private school.
The department pledged support for affected learners, families and school personnel, coordinating with mental health partners to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support.
Officials urged the public not to circulate unverified information or sensitive photos and videos, particularly because minors were involved.
The incident raises renewed questions about school security and minors’ access to firearms, although authorities have yet to establish how the weapons were obtained.
This shooting comes less than two months after another deadly school shooting in Tacloban City in June, which killed at least three students and injured about 20 others.
Fr. Andal said the university will provide additional information as it becomes available. The tragedy marks another dark chapter in Philippine school safety concerns, with authorities still piecing together how armed access occurred on campus grounds. (davaotoday.com)
