Zamboanga School Shooting Prompts Investigation and New Campus-Safety Measures

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities are investigating the August 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s junior high school after two students died and others were injured.

Officials identified one of those who died as the suspected attacker and the other as a fellow student. This report does not name the minors, describe the violence in detail or reproduce footage from the incident.

Police secured the campus, students were evacuated and classes were suspended while authorities began gathering evidence. Investigators have not announced a final conclusion about motive, responsibility or every circumstance surrounding the incident.

Marcos orders a thorough investigation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and identify measures that could strengthen safety in schools. He also expressed sympathy to the affected families and the Ateneo de Zamboanga community.

The Philippine Information Agency reported that Education Secretary Sonny Angara traveled to Zamboanga City on August 19 to meet school officials, local authorities and law-enforcement representatives and assess the response.

The investigation includes questions about how firearms were accessed and brought onto the campus, as well as whether security and safekeeping requirements were followed.

Firearm access remains under investigation

Authorities said firearms connected to the incident were registered to the suspected attacker’s father, a Bureau of Customs employee. The Bureau of Customs placed the employee under preventive suspension while the matter is reviewed.

Preventive suspension is an administrative measure and is not a finding of guilt. Any criminal or administrative responsibility must be determined from evidence and through the appropriate legal process.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has separately asked Congress to review laws involving loose firearms and owner accountability when registered weapons are not securely stored. Those recommendations are proposals and have not yet changed existing law.

Government agencies plan additional school-safety steps

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said it was preparing an agreement with the Department of Education to strengthen coordination between schools, local governments, police and emergency responders.

Officials said the planned measures may include clearer emergency protocols, coordinated security assessments and improved response procedures. Individual schools and local authorities remain responsible for adapting safeguards to their circumstances and applicable rules.

Safety measures should protect students without encouraging rumor, harassment or automatic suspicion of people experiencing mental-health difficulties. Investigators have not established a motive, and no single factor should be presented as the cause without verified evidence.

Responsible reporting and community support

Authorities and school officials have urged the public to rely on verified announcements. Sharing violent footage, identifying minors or circulating unsupported claims can compound harm to students, families and witnesses.

Students and families affected by the incident may seek support through their school, qualified health professionals or local services. Anyone facing an immediate threat should contact emergency authorities.

Connect TV Channel will update this report if police, the school, the Department of Education or another authorized agency releases a material verified finding.