The motive behind the shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, remains a mystery to authorities, especially after finding out that the student shooter did well in school and was not considered problematic by his teachers, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Angara said the shooter was not being bullied in school and was not known to have an online groomer.

“Yun ang misteryoso sa amin talaga kasi parang di naman totoo daw yung binu-bully yung bata… hindi naman totoo na siya ay depressed… may family network siya, marami siyang pinsan… Kung ano ‘yung nag-trigger dito, sabi nga ng isang opisyal dito, ‘wag nating i-rule out na may groomer siya online… di natin alam kung totoo yun,” Angara said.

Angara visited the city on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, a day after the incident, to lead emergency intervention efforts.

He met with local government and university officials, and police personnel, for a joint security briefing to review campus protocols and emergency measures.

Angara said it also remains unclear who the suspect’s intended target was.

“Di pa klaro kung teacher nga talaga ang target kasi may dalawa siyang classroom na kanyang pinuntahan at di siya nakapag-paputok doon sa first classroom na pinuntahan niya. Doon siya nagpaputok sa pangalawang classroom so hindi talaga klaro kung sino ang target niya,” he said.

Angara said an active shooter drills could have helped prevent similar incidents but the shooting occurred before the school was scheduled to hold the drill on September 1.

WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH

Angara called for a “whole-of-nation” approach to campus safety as he stressed that while perimeter fences, CCTV cameras, metal detectors and increased police presence are important, these measures must be complemented by stronger community involvement and emotional support systems in schools.

“Ang tinitingnan lang natin ay hindi lang seguridad, hindi lang bakod, hindi lang CCTV, hindi lang metal detectors. Importante din siguro kung magre-reach out ‘yung ating komunidad, starting sa amin sa school communities… talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante. Kilalanin din po natin talaga sila, kumustahin natin sila, kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelehan, hindi lang magturo kundi parang talagang tahanan natin po ‘yun,” Angara said.

He emphasized that the safety and well-being of students should be a shared responsibility across public and private schools.

“Dapat natin i-approach itong problema bilang isang komunidad, dahil problema ito hindi lang ng isang eskwelahan… pero palagay ko, problema ito ng ating kabataan, ng komunidad, at ng bawat komunidad sa buong bansa,” Angara said.

Angara called on parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, stressing that a safe environment begins at home.

He also urged teachers and school personnel to build closer relationships with students by checking on their well-being regularly.

Schools, he said, should serve not only as places of learning but also as “second homes.”

“Talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante, kilalanin natin sila, kumustahin natin sila. Kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelahan hindi lang magturo, kung hindi parang pangalawang tahanan,” he added.

SECURITY, RESPONSIBILITY

As part of the response to the AdZU shooting, the police will increase visibility around schools while barangay watchmen will provide additional security, particularly in schools without security guards.

The DepEd chief also pushed for the expansion of socio-emotional learning and mental health initiatives in schools, alongside psychological support already being provided by the university to individuals affected by the incident.

He urged the public, digital content creators, and news organizations to exercise responsibility in reporting and sharing information related to the incident, particularly content involving minors.

“Ang pagprotekta sa mga bata ay nangangahulugan din ng pagprotekta sa kanilang privacy at dignidad,” Angara said.

“Ang pagpapakalat ng mga hindi kumpirmadong detalye, sensitibong larawan, o marahas na video ay lalo lamang nagpapalalim ng trauma at nagdudulot ng karagdagang dalamhati sa mga nagdadalamhating pamilya, mga batang mag-aaral, at mga empleyado ng paaralan,” he added.

As authorities continue their investigation, Angara called on the public and media to avoid drawing premature conclusions while investigators are establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

The DepEd said it will continue coordinating with local governments, security agencies, private-school groups and mental health professionals to strengthen campus safety measures and ensure sustained support for affected communities nationwide.