A tragic incident unfolded at a high school campus in the southern Philippines as a student armed with two pistols fatally shot a fellow student before taking his own life. The harrowing event, which was livestreamed using a body-worn camera, marked the second deadly school shooting in the country within a span of just two months.
The violence erupted at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga City, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of students after gunshots echoed through the high school building. Two individuals sustained injuries during the attack, according to authorities.
The perpetrator, identified as Mohammad Mael Jalani, a Grade 9 student, first fired at a teacher but missed, then proceeded to shoot a student on the fourth floor before tragically ending his own life on the fifth floor, initial police reports revealed.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the assailant livestreamed the attack on Facebook Live, showcasing snippets of the unfolding tragedy. Investigations are underway to delve into his gaming and chat history to ascertain the motive behind the horrific act.
The city mayor and law enforcement confirmed that the suspect committed suicide on the school premises. The high school building where the incident occurred is located in a secure section of the university campus, prompting the suspension of classes across all levels following the tragic event.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the gunshots rang out, with parents capturing the turmoil on video to alert authorities. Police later assured the public that the situation was under control and advised parents to follow the school’s guidance for collecting their children safely.
Authorities emphasized the ongoing efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary distress. The national police chief reiterated the commitment to prioritize the safety and welfare of the school community during this challenging time.
In a concerning revelation, it was disclosed that one of the pistols used by the perpetrator belonged to his father, a police commander. The father may face administrative repercussions for failing to secure the government-issued firearm properly.
While gun-related crimes are not uncommon in the Philippines due to the prevalence of unlicensed firearms, school shootings remain rare. This incident comes despite previous assurances from law enforcement to bolster security measures in educational institutions following a similar tragic shooting in Tacloban city earlier this year.