A shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School campus in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, has left two students dead and another individual reportedly wounded.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning, prompting a major response from police and other authorities as investigators worked to secure the campus and establish exactly what happened.
According to initial findings from investigators, one student reportedly shot another inside Room 404 before allegedly turning the weapon on himself.
The two students died in connection with the shooting, while another individual was reportedly wounded. Authorities had not released further information about the wounded person at the time of the initial report.
Police Investigate Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting
Investigators from the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the Regional Forensic Unit 9/Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
Authorities are working to establish the precise sequence of events and determine the motive behind the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have urged the public to rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed reports circulating online.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University Responds
ADZU President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” Andal, SJ, expressed his deepest sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy.
The university said it would cooperate fully with authorities and await verified investigative findings before providing additional information.
Andal emphasized the importance of sharing accurate information responsibly as the investigation continues.
Classes were cancelled on Tuesday following the shooting. The university also declared Wednesday, August 19, a day of mourning, giving students, faculty and staff an opportunity to grieve and process the devastating incident.
Zamboanga Community Responds
The shooting has deeply affected the Ateneo de Zamboanga community and the wider Zamboanga City area.
Acting Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and assured them that the city government was prepared to provide assistance and support.
Officials said the situation remained under control while police and other agencies continued securing the area and investigating what happened.
The City Government of Zamboanga also extended condolences to the affected families and appealed to the public not to spread unverified information.
Investigation Into the Shooting Continues
Authorities are expected to examine the crime scene, gather forensic evidence, interview witnesses and reconstruct the events that occurred inside Room 404.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been established publicly.
Details surrounding the reportedly wounded individual, including the person’s identity and condition, had also not been released at the time of the initial report.
As investigators continue their work, the school community is facing the painful loss of two students while supporting those affected by the incident.
The tragedy has prompted a period of mourning at Ateneo de Zamboanga University as students, teachers, families and staff come to terms with the loss.
Our thoughts are with the families of the two students who died, the reportedly wounded individual, and everyone affected by the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.