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 attack, which was captured on a body-worn camera and livestreamed by the perpetrator, occurred at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga City. This marked the second school shooting resulting in fatalities in the country within a span of two months.
Following the sound of gunshots in the high school building, hundreds of students were evacuated, and two individuals sustained injuries during the incident. The assailant, identified as Grade 9 student Mohammad Mael Jalani, attempted to shoot a teacher but missed before fatally shooting a student on the fourth floor and subsequently committing suicide on the fifth floor.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the attacker broadcasted the attack on Facebook Live, showing snippets of the events leading up to the tragedy. Authorities plan to investigate the perpetrator’s gaming and chat history to understand the motives behind the attack fully.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso confirmed the suicide of the suspect, emphasizing that the high school building where the incident occurred is located within a secure campus separate from the main university campus. Ateneo de Zamboanga suspended classes at all levels for two days following the tragic events.
Authorities assured the public of prioritizing the safety of the school community and acknowledged the cooperation of the school administration, parents, and the community during the crisis. It was revealed that one of the pistols used by the perpetrator belonged to his father, a police commander, who may face administrative repercussions for failing to secure the government-issued firearm properly.
Despite efforts to enhance school security nationwide following a previous school shooting in June, incidents involving firearms remain a challenge in the Philippines. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing gun violence and ensuring the safety of students in educational institutions.