A student opened fire at a school on a university campus in the southern Philippines, killing a classmate and himself. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
According to Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, the suspect was wearing a body camera, presumably to livestream the attack. The incident occurred Tuesday at a high school on the campus of Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Olaso told DZBB radio that the suspect initially fired at a teacher, but it was unclear if the teacher was hit. He then shot a classmate, who died, before killing himself. Two other people were injured.
Police are investigating the circumstances. The names of the victims have not been released. This is one of the most serious school violence incidents in the Philippines in recent years.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University is a prestigious educational institution in Zamboanga City. The university administration expressed condolences and said assistance would be provided to those affected.
This incident has again raised the issue of gun control in the Philippines. Although the country's gun laws are relatively strict, illegal arms trafficking continues.
Zamboanga City is a major city on the Zamboanga Peninsula in the southern Philippines. The city has several universities and colleges, including Ateneo de Zamboanga.
Law enforcement is investigating how the suspect brought weapons into the school and what his motives were. The effectiveness of security measures at the school during the incident is also being reviewed.
This incident has caused a great resonance in Philippine society. Many people are expressing condolences on social media and demanding stronger school security.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet made an official statement, but his administration is reportedly closely monitoring the situation.
This is not the first school shooting in the Philippines. In 2023, a student shot and killed a classmate at a school in Mindanao. Recurring incidents highlight the weakness of the country's gun control system.
Mayor Olaso urged residents to remain calm and promised that the results of the investigation would be made public. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Classes at the school have been temporarily suspended. Psychological assistance is being provided to students and teachers.
This incident again forces attention to safety issues in the Philippine education system. Many experts recommend strengthening security measures in schools and improving psychological services among students.
Associated Press was the first international news agency to report this incident. More details are being clarified.