2 dead in Ateneo Zamboanga shooting—DILG

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that two, one being the student gunman himself, were reported dead in the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga High School on August 18.

Remulla said that one of the casualties were the Grade 9 student gunman or a child in conflict with the law (CICL), who livestreamed the act on social media, and a Grade 10 student.

"At approximately 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, a certain Grade 9 student entered the Ateneo Zamboanga City High School bringing one pistol and one rifle. He entered and started indiscriminately firing, hitting a Grade 10 at the fourth floor, subsequently went to the 5th floor, and jumped from the said building and committed suicide," he said.

Local media reports say at least 10 were injured, but an official statement is yet to be released by the school or the government.

Remulla added that the Philippine National Police (PNP) have begun a thorough investigation on the suspect’s motive, the ownership and source of the firearms used, and how they were brought inside the school campus.

PNP: Refrain from sharing photos, videos of the incident

The student gunman’s livestream of the shooting, recorded on a body camera, showed the suspect firing at classrooms before ultimately shooting a student as others ran to safety.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on August 19 ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to coordinate with social media platforms in taking down photos and videos such as screen recordings of the livestream.

“This is an unfortunate incident that should be treated with utmost sensitivity, especially that there were minors involved in the content. Let us all be compassionate over this tragedy and it starts by showing respect and becoming responsible netizens,” he said in a press briefing.

Nartatez said that the PNP wants to ensure that netizens, especially minors, will no longer have the access or capability to share content in connection to the incident.

“We appeal to everyone to refrain from sharing or reposting the videos and photos of the incident. These materials can cause further distress to the victims, their families and the public, and may also interfere with the ongoing investigation,” he added.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DILG chief Jonvic Remulla, the PNP-ACG and other concerned units were ordered to monitor and report the spread of sensitive content online.