2 dead in Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting: What we know so far

CAMPUS SHOOTING. An investigator stand near the body of a student inside one of the classrooms at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning, August 18, 2026. contributed photo (5th UPDATE) Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Olaso tells ANC that the shooter was a 'very bright student' but was reportedly a 'Roblox fanatic' A shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University resulted in the deaths of two students, including the shooter. The Department of Education expressed grave concern and is providing support to affected individuals while urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information. The university is prioritizing student safety and has set up communication channels for parents while coordinating with authorities for further details. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – At least two students were killed in a shooting at a building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Tuesday morning, August 18. One of those who died was the shooter, initial reports said. Ateneo de Zamboanga University confirmed the two deaths inside its junior high school campus. Outside the school in Zamboanga City, a crowd gathered, mostly worried parents, waiting anxiously for word about their children. Details of the campus shooting remained sketchy, and people, including reporters, were barred from getting inside. Rappler learned that the shootings took place in two upper levels of a high school building. This report will be updated as more information becomes available. Philippine National Police chief General Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities in Zamboanga were establishing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. “The situation is now under control,” he said even as he called for calm. Father Guillrey Anthony Andal, AdZU president, said students had to be evacuated to a safe place immediately after the gun attack took place, and teachers took care of them. Ironically, he said, the shooting occurred shortly after the university’s security team conducted simulation exercises to prepare for such incidents. “We are deeply, deeply saddened by this incident,” Andal said. Roblox fanatic? Over ANC News Channel, Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Olaso said the suspect killed himself after shooting at a teacher and another student. He said the teacher was unscathed but the other student was fatally hit in one of the classrooms. He said at least three others were reportedly hurt. Olaso said the shooter, a 7th grader, was armed with two firearms, one a high-caliber weapon and a short arm. He told ANC that the shooter was a “very bright student” but was reportedly a “Roblox fanatic.” The online gaming platform has recently faced increased scrutiny in the country over child safety, sexual grooming and the risk of violent extremist radicalization targeting minors. Olaso said it was time for Congress to ban violent online games in the country and urged parents and guardians to keep firearms out of their children’s reach. Classes at the AdZU have been suspended following the incident, he said. ‘Gravely concerned’ The Department of Education (DepEd) said it was “gravely concerned” over the reported shooting at the university’s campus. DepEd said it was ready to provide support and assistance to affected students, families and school personnel, and was coordinating with mental health partners to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support. It urged the public not to spread unverified information or share sensitive photos, videos or other details about the incident, particularly because minors were involved. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately clear. In a statement, university said it was saddened by the incident inside its junior high school campus. “As of now, we confirm that there are two fatalities. As for other information, we are coordinating with authorities for the full report with full details to be provided as soon as possible,” AsZU said. It said the safety of its students was its top priority, and it has already coordinated with parents and guardians to pick up their children while ensuring the safety of those remaining on campus. AdZU said it has set up official communication channels even as it urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, photos, and videos “as these will only bring further harm to those involved and may hinder the ongoing investigation of the incident.” The university also appealed to respect the privacy of all those affected. “We pray for the quick resolution of the situation and for the safety of all,” AdZU said. The shooting followed an attack in June at a public high school in Tacloban City in which at least three students were killed and about 20 others injured when two of their schoolmates opened fire on campus. School ​shootings are rare in the Philippines, which has relatively strict gun ownership regulations, including background ‌checks ⁠and psychological evaluation requirements, although illegal firearms remain in circulation. The school is a five-story building on an 8-hectare (19.8 acre) site that houses the university’s grade school and junior high school students, according to its website. – With reports from Reuters/Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading