A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in the southern Philippines when a student armed with two pistols fatally shot another student before taking his own life. The distressing event, which was livestreamed using a body-worn camera, marked the second school shooting in the country within two months.
Following the gunshots at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga City, hundreds of students were evacuated as authorities responded to the incident. Two individuals sustained injuries during the attack, according to police and city officials.
The perpetrator, identified as Grade 9 student Mohammad Mael Jalani, first targeted a teacher but missed, then proceeded to shoot a student on the fourth floor before ultimately committing suicide on the fifth floor. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the assailant live-streamed the attack on Facebook Live, showcasing snippets of the harrowing event.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso confirmed the perpetrator’s self-inflicted gunshot wound. The high school building where the tragedy occurred is situated in a secure section of the university campus, prompting Ateneo to suspend classes across all levels in the wake of the incident.
Despite efforts to enhance school security nationwide following a previous school shooting in Tacloban city, where three students were killed and many others injured, incidents such as this highlight the ongoing challenges with firearm-related crimes in the Philippines. The perpetrator’s use of his father’s government-issued pistol has raised concerns about firearm control and safety measures, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.
As authorities work to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, they urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information to prevent unnecessary alarm. The community’s cooperation and understanding are essential as officials continue to manage the aftermath of this tragic event.