Ateneo Shooting Probe Takes New Turn as Suspect’s Father Is Suspended
ATENEO SHOOTING – Authorities are now looking into possible accountability after the father of the student involved in the Ateneo shooting was placed under preventive suspension.
The father of the student involved in the deadly shooting at the Junior High School campus of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) has been placed under preventive suspension by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) on August 18.
Authorities identified the suspect’s father as the district commander of the Port of Zamboanga Enforcement and Security Services of the BoC, according to BoC Deputy Chief of Staff Atty. Chris Bendijo, the official was suspended as authorities investigate the tragic incident.
The preventive suspension was reportedly imposed to ensure the investigation remains impartial and to determine whether the father could bear any responsibility for his minor child’s actions.
Investigators are also expected to look into the firearms allegedly used during the shooting. One of the key questions is whether the rifle and pistol brought into the school by the student were owned by his father.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of two students, including the suspect. Nine other individuals were also injured, among them a teacher.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso said the deceased suspect was able to bring a rifle and a pistol inside the school premises. Authorities are now working to determine how the weapons were brought into the campus and whether there were lapses in security that allowed the incident to happen.
Reports also indicated that the suspect was among the school’s top students and was allegedly an active player of a popular online game. However, authorities continue to focus on establishing the circumstances that led to the shooting and determining the possible factors behind the incident.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the Ateneo de Zamboanga community, prompting school officials and authorities to coordinate closely as the investigation continues.
The university administration remains in communication with law enforcement agencies regarding the shooting. Officials are expected to provide further information as investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, injuries, and the presence of firearms inside the school campus.
The preventive suspension of the suspect’s father is part of the ongoing effort to determine whether any connections or responsibilities need to be addressed as authorities seek answers following the deadly incident.
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