The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has relieved the father of the alleged shooter in the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School from his post.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed that the official was relieved from his post as authorities investigate the incident and determine whether the firearms used in the shooting were issued by the bureau.

“Wala naman siyang direktang kinalaman doon sa pagbaril sa kanyang anak. Sigurado, malaking trahedya ito sa kanilang pamilya,” Nepomuceno maintained.

“Pero, kailangan natin i-relieve kaagad para magkaroon ng impartial investigation kung nagkaroon ba ng negligence yung tauhan namin sa pag-handle ng kanyang baril,” he stressed.

According to Nepomuceno, the alleged perpetrator’s father served as the district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services.

The university earlier confirmed that two people died in the shooting, which occurred at around 7 a.m. Tuesday, August 18. One of the fatalities was the alleged shooter.

Zamboanga City Local Government Unit Public Information Officer Sheila Cubarubias also said nine individuals were injured in the incident.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the source and ownership of the firearms reportedly used in the incident.