(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — Four people died and nine others were wounded in a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Tuesday, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the region.
Killed were two security guards and two high school students, including the shooter, whose identities have been withheld.
The shooter was identified as male, a 4th year high school student whose father reportedly worked at the Zamboanga City Customs Office.
He was armed with a Glock 9-millimeter assault rifle (M16).
In a statement, the Department of Education said that it was “gravely concerned” over the shooting and stood with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during this difficult time.
It said it was “ready to extend whatever support and assistance we can to the affected learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities,”.
“We are also coordinating with mental health partners to provide Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support to those affected,” DepEd said.
It urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and sharing sensitive photos, videos, or details about the incident, especially since minors are involved.
Meanwhile, in a separate post on Facebook, Ateneo de Zamboanga said its Grade School students were now with their class moderators and were now safe and accounted for.
It also suspended classes on its Senior High School, while the situation was now under control in its Junior High School Department.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), in an initial report, said it was investigating the background of the Grade 9 shooter and how he managed to sneak in a pistol and rifle inside the campus.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police to coordinate with school authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety and orderly movement of students, faculty, and school personnel.
“The situation is now under control. The PNP likewise encourages parents and guardians to remain calm and follow the school's advisory, particularly on the designated time and arrangements for picking up their children,”Nartatez said in a statement.
“This will help ensure an orderly process and allow responding personnel to carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary congestion. Authorities are currently establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.
