The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) confirmed that two individuals were dead following the school shooting on its campus on Tuesday morning.
“We are in the process of working with the police for us to be able to identify them so that we can communicate first to their loved ones,” AdZU President Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal told reporters in a media interview.
“We do not have any other information as of this time, but we would like to share it as soon as responsibly as we can, as soon as we have,” he added.
According to City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso, the shooter used a “high-powered firearm” and a .45 caliber pistol as he opened fire inside the junior high school campus. He also confirmed that the perpetrator wore a body camera and livestreamed the incident online.
“We saw it in the video, because the police are still investigating it. We saw in the video that it appeared the teacher was first hit while sitting at the table,” he said in Filipino in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
“He went into another room, pulled out his .45-caliber firearm, and then shot another student,” he added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) noted that the situation is now “under control” as it coordinates with school authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety and orderly movement of students, faculty, and school personnel.
“Authorities are currently establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident,” PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said in a statement. “The PNP assures the public that the safety and well-being of the school community remain a priority.”
“We urge everyone to remain calm and rely on official advisories for accurate and timely information,” he added.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also ordered law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine preventive measures to avoid school-related violence.
“Our schools are where we entrust our children to learn, to grow and to dream about the lives ahead of them. They must also be among the safest places in our country,” he said in a statement.
“We will work with our schools and communities to strengthen the safeguards that protect our students and ensure that they can pursue their education without fear,” he added.
For its part, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it is offering support and assistance to learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities. It is also coordinating with mental health partners to provide Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support to those affected.
The university has suspended classes across all levels until tomorrow, August 19, to ensure the safety and well-being of students and personnel. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
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