Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting investigation underway

Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University junior high school campus that resulted in the deaths of two students: a Grade 10 student and the 15-year-old alleged shooter, who died by suicide.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the shooter appears to have acted alone without conspirators. The weapons used, a .40 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol, belonged to the shooter’s father, a Bureau of Customs (BOC) employee. While the father has been relieved of his post as a district commander, Remulla noted the father has been cooperative and there is currently no evidence of his culpability. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno clarified that the firearms were left in a vehicle used to transport the student to school, allowing the minor to access them.

In response to the incident, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to coordinate with social media platforms to remove photos and videos of the attack. The shooting was live-streamed by the minor, and officials are seeking to prevent the further spread of sensitive content to protect the privacy of victims and avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation.