President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed law enforcement agencies to launch an exhaustive inquiry into the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), reiterating that academic institutions must remain among the nation’s most secure sanctuaries.
Expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and the entire AdZU community, Marcos described the tragedy as an event that should never have taken place.
“Our schools are where we entrust our children to learn, to grow and to dream about the lives ahead of them. They must also be among the safest places in our country,” the President stated.
The Chief Executive confirmed he instructed security authorities to determine the root cause of the incident and formulate preemptive measures to safeguard other institutions.
“I have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to determine what more must be done to prevent another family, another school and another community from suffering the same grief,” Marcos said.
School administration confirmed two fatalities during the violence at its Junior High School campus, including the suspect. Police reports indicated that a Grade 7 student managed to enter the university premises armed with firearms.
In the aftermath, the university coordinated with parents and guardians for the secure evacuation of students while security personnel protected those remaining on site. AdZU officials also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of those affected while the official inquiry remains underway.
Concurrently, Senator Risa Hontiveros announced that the Senate will press forward with its investigation into nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) and its potential connections to digital platforms.
Hontiveros clarified that it is currently undetermined whether the Zamboanga attack shares links with the online network linked to the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, which left three students dead and 13 wounded.
“Sa ngayon, hindi pa natin masasabi kung may koneksyon ito sa [NVE] o sa iba pang online communities na sinimulan nating suriin matapos ang Tacloban shooting,” Hontiveros noted.
The senator cautioned that the public display, imitation, and livestreaming of violent acts highlight deeper societal risks involving youth and online spaces.
“Sa totoo lang, kung ang karahasan ay hindi lamang ginagawa kundi [ini-display], ginagaya, at nili-livestream pa, mas malaki at mas malalim ang problemang kailangang harapin natin bilang isang lipunan,” she added.
Hontiveros stated that the Senate committee is scheduled to resume hearings on Thursday, focusing on NVE, the online grooming of minors toward violence, and broader child protection issues.
“Pangunahing layunin ng mga hearing na ito na matukoy kung ano ang kailangan nating baguhin sa paaralan at online environments ng kabataan upang kailanman ay hindi na ito maulit muli,” she said.
Extending her sympathies to the bereaved families and AdZU, Hontiveros promised continued legislative action to enhance safety measures for children.
“Makakaasa kayo na gagawin natin ang lahat upang mapakilos ang gobyerno at maprotektahan ang ating mga anak,” she assured.
Marcos similarly emphasized that government efforts must extend beyond identifying liability, advocating for enhanced collaboration between schools, local communities, and law enforcement to reinforce campus security.
“We will work with our schools and communities to strengthen the safeguards that protect our students and ensure that they can pursue their education without fear.”
“Every Filipino family deserves that assurance.”