Ateneo de Zamboanga to tighten campus security after shooting

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) on Saturday said it will implement tighter security measures across its campuses following the Aug. 18 shooting inside its campus, university president Fr. Ernald Andal said Saturday.

In a community update, Andal said the university's Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on Saturday and approved resources for enhanced security measures, long-term improvements and a comprehensive security audit of all campuses.

Beginning Monday, the university will implement more thorough vehicle inspections, stricter identification checks, closer monitoring of entry and exit points, and tighter controls on visitor access, according to Andal.

“These procedures may take more time, especially during entry,” Andal said, asking students, personnel and visitors for patience and cooperation.

The university is undertaking additional safety measures following Tuesday's shooting incident that left two students dead, including the alleged shooter.

Initial investigation revealed that the student linked to the fatal shooting entered the junior high school building through a ramp normally reserved for persons with disabilities, allowing him to bypass the building’s regular security checkpoints.

The university also plans to install additional closed-circuit television cameras in classrooms and hallways, strengthen real-time monitoring, and add metal detectors and X-ray machines at designated pedestrian entrances.

It will also improve visitor reception and holding areas, Andal said.

The university president said the security audit will determine where these measures can be deployed most effectively and will guide a stronger security plan covering facilities, access control, personnel deployment, technology, emergency preparedness and coordination with law enforcement.

More than 200 volunteers from AdZU and partner agencies have also supported psychological first aid sessions and other recovery efforts following the shooting, he said.

Andal said the university's security efforts would also involve students' families.

He said he would join the vice president for basic education and the university's principals in a meeting with parents and guardians on Tuesday to hear their concerns and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the school and families.

“Keeping our students safe also requires close cooperation between the school and families,” Andal said.

Meanwhile, the university continues to cooperate with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies investigating the shooting.

Andal said authorities had informed the university that the official police report was expected on Monday.

He said AdZU had followed procedures for coordinating with the PNP and other government agencies since the incident and had secured and preserved all university records relevant to the investigation.

The university is hoping the police report will provide a thorough account of what happened and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive and how a minor gained access to the firearms used.

“Healing must be grounded in truth,” Andal said, adding that understanding these matters is necessary to address accountability and make schools safer. —MCG, GMA News