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2 students killed, 1 wounded in Zamboanga school shooting
Two students died while another was injured on Tuesday following a shooting incident in a private school in Zamboanga City, one of them the alleged shooter, according to Mayor Khymer Olaso.
Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Olaso said that based on initial information, the shooter was able to enter the premises of Ateneo de Zamboanga University carrying a high-powered firearm and a .45 caliber pistol.
He said the incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m.
“Nakita po natin sa video, kasi iniimbestiga pa ng mga pulis eh, nakita po natin sa video parang unang binanabatan ‘yung teacher, nakaupo sa table,” he said.
(We saw it in the video, because the police are still investigating it. We saw in the video that it appeared the teacher was first hit while sitting at the table.)
“Hindi ata nakatama, lumipat sa ibang room, binunot ‘yung .45 caliber niya binanatan naman ‘yung isang estudyante doon, ‘yung bumagsak, ‘yung namatay na pangalawa,” he added.
(He did not hit anybody so he went into another room. He pulled out his .45-caliber firearm and then shot another student, who fell and became the second person to die.)
The mayor said that two more individuals may be injured in the incident.
He said the shooter then took his own life.
Olaso also confirmed that the shooter wore a body camera and was streaming live.
Meanwhile, the mayor suspended classes on Tuesday morning.
In a social media post, Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School said the situation is now under control.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University suspended classes at all levels from August 18, Tuesday, to August 19, Wednesday, "to allow sufficient time to attend to the safety and well-being of our students and personnel."
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Dr. Elmeir Apolinario said two others were transported to the hospital. Of the two transported to the hospital, one was wounded while the other was experiencing shortness of breath.
The CDRRMO medical teams also attended to 21 students who had a panic attack or anxiety, and minor abrasions.
In a separate post, the Zamboanga City government said it is deeply saddened by the shooting incident and is closely coordinating with the school management, the Zamboanga City Police Office, and concerned authorities.
"We assure the public that the situation is under control and appropriate security measures are in place. The safety of our students, teachers, and school communities remains our highest priority," it added.
The city government appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and responsible.
"Please refrain from spreading unverified information, rumors, photographs, or videos that may cause unnecessary alarm or interfere with the ongoing police response and investigation. We encourage everyone to rely only on official advisories from the City Government, the police, the school management, and other authorized authorities," it said. —AOL, GMA News
