THE city government of Zamboanga suspended classes on Wednesday in all levels in public and private academic institutions, following Tuesday’s school shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School.
In a statement posted overnight on Wednesday, the city government declared a Day of Mourning as “a solemn expression of our collective grief and respect for the lives lost.” Mayor Khymer Olaso also made the declaration in a Facebook live video late on Tuesday.
“We appeal to everyone to remain calm and compassionate, refrain from spreading unverified information and allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. The city government, under my leadership, will continue to work closely with law enforcement and concerned agencies to ensure that the safety and well-being of our students and community remain our highest priority,” he said in the live video.
“Let us use this day to grieve, pray and reflect on our shared responsibility to protect our children and uphold the sanctity of life,” Olaso added.
Two students died in the shooting incident in the junior high school department of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, including the shooter, a Grade 9 student, who shot a Grade 10 schoolmate dead before turning the gun on himself.
