President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed law enforcement agencies to conduct a full investigation into the August 18 shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as authorities examine how the firearms used in the incident reached the school campus.
The shooting left two students dead, including the Grade 9 student identified by authorities as the suspected attacker. A Grade 10 student was also killed.
Police are now looking into the possible motive, the ownership and source of the firearms, and whether any security or procedural lapses allowed the weapons to be brought inside the school.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reports that it was livestreamed on social media.
Marcos, meanwhile, extended his condolences to the families of the students and the Ateneo de Zamboanga community.
“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,” the President said.
He said the investigation should not only establish what happened but also identify additional measures that could help prevent similar incidents.
“I have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to determine what more must be done to prevent another family, another school and another community from suffering the same grief,” Marcos said.
The President also pledged closer coordination between the government, schools and local communities to strengthen student safety and campus security.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government likewise urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, photos and videos related to the case, particularly content involving minors, while the investigation continues.
