Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara expressed deep sorrow over the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School in Zamboanga City, assuring affected students, teachers and families of support from the agency.
The incident on Tuesday, August 18, left two students dead, according to initial reports, after a Grade 8 student allegedly opened fire inside the school. Police said the alleged shooter later died after shooting himself.
Angara said he was particularly affected by the incident as a parent and extended his condolences to the families of those who died and to members of the school community.
“I am deeply saddened by this morning’s shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School,” Angara said.
“As a father, my heart goes out to the parents who are grieving today. My sympathies are likewise with all the families affected by this tragedy, as well as the teachers, learners, and school personnel who experienced this terrible incident,” he added.
The Education Department has directed its Regional Office IX to coordinate with the school and other authorities involved in responding to the incident. Angara said psychosocial support will be made available to students, teachers and families affected by the shooting.
“The Department of Education has directed its Regional Office IX to coordinate with the school and other concerned authorities and to make psychosocial support available to affected learners, teachers, and families as needed. Whether public or private, they are our learners,” Angara said.
He also emphasized that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is leading the investigation, particularly into how a minor was able to obtain firearms and bring them onto school grounds.
“The Philippine National Police is leading the investigation. We will await the findings of the investigation, especially on how the firearms came into the possession of a minor and was brought onto a school campus, so that we can learn from this tragedy and help prevent similar incidents in other schools,” he said.
Angara also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing videos, photographs and unverified reports about the shooting, stressing the need to protect the privacy and dignity of minors and grieving families.
“I also appeal to the public to refrain from circulating videos, photographs, or unverified accounts of the incident. Minors and grieving families are involved, and their privacy and dignity deserve our protection,” he said.
The PNP continues to investigate the circumstances and possible motive behind the shooting, while the school community deals with the aftermath of the tragedy.
