Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso confirmed that a high‑school student entered the high school building on the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus and opened fire with two guns on Tuesday. The shooter first fired at a teacher, though it is unclear whether the teacher was hit, then turned his weapon on a fellow student, killing the victim before turning the gun on himself.
Two additional students were wounded in the exchange. The suspect reportedly wore a body‑camera and attempted to livestream the attack, according to the mayor’s statements to DZBB radio. After the gunshots rang out, school officials evacuated hundreds of students from the secured campus building to safety.
Police response and investigation
National police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police secured the scene within a few hours and are now working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident. The police chief urged the public not to share unverified photos, videos, or rumors that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Authorities also asked parents and guardians to remain calm, follow the school’s instructions, and arrange for the pickup of their children as the situation was brought under control.
Context of school safety in the Philippines
The shooting comes despite recent promises from Philippine law‑enforcement officials to strengthen security in schools after a June incident in Tacloban City that left three high‑school students dead and more than 20 wounded. In that case, police arrested two students, ages 14 and 15, accused of carrying out the attack.
While firearm‑related crimes are common in the Philippines due to the prevalence of unlicensed guns, incidents of school shootings remain relatively rare. The Zamboanga City tragedy follows a similar event in Thailand less than two weeks earlier, where a 14‑year‑old boy killed his grandparents, five school staff members and a 12‑year‑old girl.
Community reaction
Local religious leaders, parents and community members expressed grief and called for prayer for the victims and their families. The mayor’s office thanked the school administration, parents, guardians and the broader community for their patience and cooperation as officials continue to manage the aftermath.
National police reiterated that the safety and well‑being of the school community remain a top priority and promised to provide verified updates as the investigation proceeds.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
