2 dead in school shooting, grade 9 student identified as gunman

A shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University left two dead, including a grade 9 student identified as the alleged gunman, and one other injured this morning, August 18. 

Authorities say the attack was carried out by a grade 9 student who brought two pistols into school premises.

According to preliminary reports, the attack started at around 7:50 a.m., when the alleged gunman started a livestream on Facebook. He initially fired toward a teacher but missed before moving to another classroom, where he shot a grade 10 male student.

The student was reported dead after being shot.

The alleged shooter later died after falling from the fifth floor of the school building, according to authorities.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said that the suspect appeared to have worn a body camera while livestreaming.

As of writing, the motive of the student is still being investigated. 

The incident took place inside the university’s junior high school building. 

After the shooting, students were instructed to evacuate the school premises. The Philippine National Police secured the campus following the incident, while  classes were suspended. 

Authorities have cautioned the public against believing online claims about bullying, specific firearm ownership, or other alleged motives.

Ateneo de Zamboanga University responds

Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Anthony “Ernald” Andal expressed grief over the incident.

“We recognize that this incident could cause a lot of deep, deep concern and worry for our parents, for our families, for the guardians, for the students, and their loved ones who need to be trusted to us. And we’re deeply, deeply saddened by this incident,” Andal said in an interview.

He added that the AdZU security team was preparing to conduct a simulation exercise to keep students safe from similar incidents.

Government investigation ordered

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting.

“We’re all heartbroken for the families… A Grade 9 student is not yet fully mature mentally. He was likely going through something that he couldn’t control. They are all victims here,” Remulla said in mixed English and Filipino.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also emphasized the need for a review of school-safety policies to cover both public and private schools.

Senator Bam Aquino, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, also called for efforts to ensure that a similar incident would not happen again. 

Gunman’s father relieved from Customs post 

Following the incident, the father of the gunman was relieved from his post at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed that the shooter’s father served as the district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services.

“We need to relieve him from his post so there can be an impartial investigation as to whether there was negligence in his handling of his firearm,” Nepomuceno said in Filipino.

One of the guns retrieved was confirmed to be issued by Customs to the father while the other gun was licensed to the father for personal use.

“It’s accountability that we should examine. It appears that the shooter used legally issued firearms from the father. The owner of the gun should be accountable for the illegal use,” sabi ni Remulla.

This is a developing story.