Content warning: School shooting and violence
The Ateneo de Zamboanga University community is in mourning after a campus shooting Tuesday left two high school students dead, including the alleged gunman.
READ: 2 students dead in in Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting including gunman, officials say
University president Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, confirmed the fatalities in a news conference, saying the school was “truly saddened” by the incident.
Several news reports identified one of the victim as a male Grade 10 student. The alleged gunman, a Grade 9 student, then reportedly killed himself.
“We are truly saddened by what had happened,” Andal said, holding back tears. “We do not want any of these things to happen.”
He said the university’s top priority was the safety of all students.
The school canceled classes at all levels Tuesday and declared Wednesday a day of mourning and prayer for the victims and the school community.
Andal said the university was reaching out to both students’ families to offer support.
The university said it is coordinating with police to obtain a full report and will release additional information when available.
In a statement, Ateneo de Zamboanga urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, photos, and videos of the incident, warning these could harm those affected and hinder the investigation.
It also appealed for respect for the privacy of the victims’ families and the school community.
“We pray for the quick resolution of the situation and for the safety of all,” the university said.
RELATED: ‘Not everything should be shared’: Filipinos urge restraint over Ateneo Zamboanga shooting footage
