At least 2 dead in Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting

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 (2nd UPDATE) Initial reports say one of those who died was the shooter 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. The Department of Education said it was “gravely concerned” over the reported shooting at the university’s campus. SHOT. A student lies on the floor inside a campus building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University after a shooting on Tuesday morning, August 18, 2026. contributed photo 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 2 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. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading