Two students were killed in a shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) Junior High School campus in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, prompting a police investigation and the deployment of psychosocial support for the affected school community.
AdZU confirmed the two fatalities in a statement following the incident, as authorities secured the campus and began determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The university said it was saddened by the incident and placed the safety of students, teachers and other members of the school community among its immediate priorities.
School officials coordinated with parents and guardians and asked them to fetch their children from the campus. Personnel also secured students who remained inside the school premises.
AdZU said it was coordinating with authorities to establish a complete account of the incident and would release additional information once officials verify the details.
The university urged the public not to circulate unverified reports, photos or videos related to the shooting.
“We urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified info, photos, and videos as these will only bring further harm to those involved and may hinder the ongoing investigation of the incident,” AdZU said.
It also appealed for sensitivity toward the victims and their families and asked the public to respect their privacy.
PNP launches probe
The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered a comprehensive investigation into the shooting and mobilized police and investigative units to establish how the incident occurred.
Personnel from the Zamboanga City Police Office, Regional Forensic Unit 9-Scene of the Crime Operations, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Criminal Investigation Unit and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Zamboanga City Field Unit joined the investigation.
Investigators are gathering and validating information while forensic personnel examine the scene and preserve evidence that could help establish the sequence of events.
Police are also coordinating with the university and other agencies to maintain security on campus and assist in managing the incident.
The PNP said investigators would rely on evidence and verified information in determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and cautioned the public against drawing conclusions while the investigation remains ongoing.
Police likewise urged the public not to share unverified accounts, photographs or videos, particularly those involving students and other people affected by the incident.
City government, DepEd respond
The Zamboanga City Government expressed grief over the incident and said it was coordinating with AdZU, the Zamboanga City Police Office and other concerned agencies.
The city government said the situation was under control and that authorities had implemented security measures following the shooting.
“The safety of our students, teachers, and school communities remains our highest priority,” the city government said.
The Department of Education (DepEd) also expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and the affected school community.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said he was deeply saddened by the incident and extended his condolences to the families, learners, teachers and school personnel affected by the shooting.
“As a father, my heart goes out to the parents who are grieving today,” Angara said.
DepEd directed its Regional Office IX to coordinate with the school and other authorities and make psychosocial assistance available to learners, teachers and families who may need support.
Angara also said authorities need to determine how a firearm came into the possession of a minor and was brought onto a school campus.
He said the findings should help authorities identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The PNP remains the lead agency in the investigation, while AdZU, DepEd and local authorities continue coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of the school community.
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