Ateneo’s Areté building to reopen days after deadly shooting

The Areté building at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) will reopen to the public days after it was closed to give way to the investigation into the shooting that occurred outside it over the weekend.

In a statement Wednesday, the Areté management said the creativity and innovation hub will reopen on Thursday, July 28 after it has been cleared to resume regular operations by authorities.

“We welcome back employees, students, visitors, and guests with the assurance that their Areté continues to be a safe and secure venue for creative expression and experimentation,” it said.

“We invite the Ateneo community and the public to once again explore our galleries and exhibition spaces; collaborate and play in our laboratories and studios; visit our performance spaces, and gather in our common areas to exchange and grow ideas,” it added.

Areté’s Official Announcement pic.twitter.com/q9VCRM3eeL

— Areté Ateneo (@AreteAteneo) July 27, 2022

On Sunday, police arrested suspect Chao-Tiao Yumol, a 38-year-old doctor from Lamitan, Basilan, for allegedly opening fire at the graduation rites of the Ateneo Law School, which was to be held at Areté. Three victims were killed in the incident: former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, Furigay's aide Victor Capistrano, and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala.

Furigay's daughter Hannah, a graduating law student, was wounded and is being treated in hospital.

Areté reiterated its condolences to the victims’ families and thanked the public for the support and kindness it had received.

“Areté is grateful for all the support, kindness, and encouragement we have received, and for the University’s efforts to provide care and counseling to our occupants, especially our maintenance staff and security personnel,” the management said. “We condole with those bereaved and offer prayers for victims and their families.” — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News