ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School on Tuesday, August 18, left two people dead, triggering a police response and the suspension of classes as authorities moved to secure the campus.
The incident happened at the school in Zamboanga City, in the southern Philippines. The city government later said the situation was under control and urged the public to remain calm while investigators continued their work.
According to Associated Press, witnesses reported that the shooting occurred inside a classroom and that the suspect was a Grade 7 student. Regional police spokesperson Maj. Shellamie Chang confirmed that police forces were working to secure the school campus but said further details were not immediately available.
The two deaths were confirmed by GMA Regional TV, citing Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso. GMA also reported that school authorities suspended classes following the incident.
Authorities have so far been cautious about releasing additional information while the investigation remains active.
The City Government of Zamboanga has specifically warned the public against spreading unverified reports, photographs and videos related to the shooting, saying such material could create unnecessary alarm and potentially interfere with the police investigation. Officials advised residents to rely only on announcements from the city government, police, school management and other authorized agencies.
The development comes amid heightened national attention on school safety following a separate deadly school shooting in Tacloban City in June, when three students were killed and seven others were wounded. The Department of Education subsequently ordered schools to strengthen security measures.
Zamboanga City also recorded a separate school violence incident in July, when a Grade 11 student allegedly stabbed two classmates at Cabaluay National High School. Police and local officials said the case involved allegations of bullying and peer pressure.
However, there is currently no verified basis to connect the August 18 shooting to that earlier incident or to any particular motive.
For now, authorities are continuing to establish exactly what happened inside the Ateneo campus, how the shooting unfolded and what led to the deaths.
As the investigation develops, officials are expected to provide more information about the victims, the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
This is a developing story. Details may change as authorities release verified information.
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