MANILA (SE/LiCAS News): Two students died on August 18 in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University high school in Mindanao, southern Philippines—the country’s second school shooting in two months.
In an August 19 post on Facebook, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David of Kalookan and Vice-President, Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, wrote, “Two school shootings involving minors in barely two months should make us ask questions that go much deeper than school security.”
Citing the Inquirer and the WHO, Cardinal David observed, “Youth violence almost never comes from one factor alone. Bullying by itself does not turn a child into a killer,” and “children who are repeatedly exposed to violence can suffer lifelong effects and face a greater risk later of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence themselves. It also identifies social norms that normalise violence as one of the societal conditions that increase the risk of violence.”
The cardinal wrote: “A wounded society therefore needs more than punishment. It needs healing. It needs truth-telling and memory. It needs justice for victims. It needs spaces where anger can be spoken before it turns into hatred. It needs schools that teach empathy and conflict resolution. It needs families where children learn that strength does not mean domination. It needs public officials who understand that their words educate the nation whether they intend them to or not.”
Cardinal David continued: “Pope Leo XIV says it beautifully in Magnifica Humanitas: ‘Let us disarm words and we will help to disarm the world.’ He speaks of rejecting the ‘war of words and images’ and asks us to examine the aggression—explicit or implicit—that enters our language. Perhaps that is where our national therapy must begin: disarm the images. Disarm the thoughts. Disarm the words. Disarm the hands.”
Two school shootings involving minors in barely two months should make us ask questions that go much deeper than school security
He exhorted: “After every act of violence, recover enough humanity to say—with conviction, and not merely as a slogan: NEVER AGAIN!”
The shooting came two months after three teenage students were killed and 20 others wounded in another school shooting in central Philippines in June.
The Department of Education said it was “gravely concerned” and ready to assist affected students, families, and staff.
Police said a Grade 9 student brought a pistol and rifle onto campus, shot and killed a Grade 10 student in a classroom, then turned the gun on himself
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” the university said, urging the public to rely on official channels and avoid sharing unverified information that could harm those involved or hinder the investigation.
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The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines said the tragedy demands sensitivity and cautioned against spreading unverified information about the incident.
Police said a Grade 9 student brought a pistol and rifle onto campus, shot and killed a Grade 10 student in a classroom, then turned the gun on himself.
It was not immediately clear how many were injured. Ateneo de Zamboanga University confirmed two deaths.
“As of now, we confirm that there are two fatalities… We are co-ordinating with authorities for the full report,” the university said on August 18.
University president Father Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” Andal sj, said the school was “truly saddened” as authorities investigated, CBCP News reported.
As of now, we confirm that there are two fatalities… We are co-ordinating with authorities for the full report
Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Mayor Khymer Olaso said video footage showed the shooter first firing at a teacher sitting at a table, missing, then moving to another room and shooting another student.
The Philippine National Police said personnel from Police Regional Office 9 and the Zamboanga City Police Office responded to the shooting and coordinated with school authorities and other agencies.
Police said investigators were establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports, photos, or videos.
The university said it co-ordinated with parents to arrange the collection of students and ensured the safety of those remaining on campus.
“We are also coordinating with mental health partners to provide Psychological First Aid and psychosocial support to those affected,” DepEd said.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University was among schools nationwide that held active shooter drills in July.
“Behind every report, photograph, or social media post are students, families, teachers, and a community experiencing profound grief and shock,” the association said.
