Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) President Fr. Ernald M. Andal, SJ, said Wednesday night that the motive behind the August 18 shooting at the university’s Junior High School Campus has yet to be conclusively determined, urging the public to refrain from speculation and allow authorities to establish the facts.
“We also wish to emphasize that the intent or motive behind the incident has not yet been conclusively determined,” Andal said in a video statement.
“And so we urge everyone to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to establish the facts. We respectfully hope that verified findings and authoritative information will be shared at the earliest appropriate opportunity consistent with the integrity of the investigation,” he added.
Andal said AdZU remains ready to provide information and assistance to help authorities complete their investigation accurately, promptly, and thoroughly.
The university president also said that the university continues to provide support to students, families, and personnel affected by the incident.
According to Andal, the school’s psychological first aid team assisted 102 students, 75 parents, and three faculty members on Wednesday.
The response involved AdZU guidance counselors, pastoral ministers, university personnel, the AdZU School of Medicine, and partner government agencies.
The university also met with officials from the Zamboanga City government, police, and national agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Senate, and the Office of the Vice President.
Andal said AdZU continues to coordinate closely with police investigators. The university turned over relevant security footage to the Zamboanga City Police Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following the incident.
Members of the school community have also been interviewed as part of the investigation.
The university has likewise sought assistance from the CIDG and cybercrime authorities to address false and misleading information circulating online.
“We have likewise sought the assistance of the CIDG and cybercrime authorities in addressing false and misleading information online. Such posts only deepen the pain of the families and those affected,” Andal said.
As of Wednesday, AdZU reiterated that the incident resulted in two deaths, including the alleged shooter, and left one person wounded who is currently recovering.
