Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting Suspect Also a Victim, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla Says
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that the suspect behind the tragic Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting was also a victim.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the student believed to be behind the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School should also be viewed as a victim of the situation.
On Tuesday morning (August 18, 2026), the shooting incident left a Grade 10 student dead. The Grade 9 student identified as the suspected gunman also died during the incident, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.
According to Remulla, the tragedy has deeply affected not only the families of the victims but also the entire community. He said the government is committed to finding answers and taking steps to prevent a similar incident happening again in schools across the country.
Authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting. Investigators have begun reviewing the student’s online activities, including social media accounts, gaming history, and chat records, to find out whether any of these may have influenced his actions.
Police are also tracing the firearms used in the incident and investigating how the weapons were brought inside the school. Earlier reports indicated that the student’s bag was not inspected when he entered the campus because he arrived in a vehicle.
It has raised questions about possible security gaps that may have allowed the firearms to enter the school grounds.
Authorities are also looking into whether changes in school security protocols are needed. Remulla said the government plans to strengthen safety measures in both public and private schools to help protect students and school personnel.
The officials are asking the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to allow authorities to complete their work. Support services are also being prepared for students, teachers, and families affected by the tragic incident.
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