By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic shooting incident at a private school in Zamboanga City on Tuesday.
This as two students reportedly died after a Grade 9 child in conflict with the law (CICL) engaged in a shooting spree in Ateneo de Zamboanga (AdZU) Junior High School campus in Zamboanga City.
“I have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to determine what more must be done to prevent another family, another school and another community from suffering the same grief,” President Marcos Jr. said in a statement.
“We will work with our schools and communities to strengthen the safeguards that protect our students and ensure that they can pursue their education without fear.”
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) as well as the Zamboanga City Police Office immediately coordinated with school authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety and orderly movement of students, faculty, and school personnel.
“Authorities are currently establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The PNP will provide verified information as appropriate and appeals to the public to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports, photos, or videos that may cause unnecessary concern,” PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
“The PNP assures the public that the safety and well-being of the school community remain a priority.”
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has also relieved the Port of Zamboanga police commander as he is allegedly the father of the CICL. The BOC is also currently investigating whether the gun used by the suspect was an issued firearm.
The Department of Education (DepEd), for its part, said it is coordinating with mental health partners to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to affected learners and school personnel.
“DepEd stands with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during this difficult time and is ready to extend whatever support and assistance we can to the affected learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities,” the agency said.
The Education Department also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, as well as sensitive photos, videos, and details of the incident.
The AdZU management, meanwhile, stressed that the safety of its students remains its top priority and that parents and guardians were immediately contacted to fetch their children.
Students who remained on campus were also secured by school personnel.
AdZU President Fr. Ernald Andal said the school cancelled classes at all levels on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 19, to allow the university community to attend to the safety and well-being of students and personnel.
The university also declared Aug. 19 as a “day of mourning” to allow the school community to grieve, according to Fr. Andal (with reports from Ryan Lesigues / PTV News)
-jpv
