A tragic incident unfolded at a high school campus in the southern Philippines on Tuesday when a student armed with two pistols shot and killed a fellow student before taking his own life. The violent episode, which was live-streamed using a body-worn camera, marked the second fatal school shooting in the country within two months.
The attack occurred at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of students after gunshots were heard in the high school building. Two individuals sustained injuries during the shooting, according to police and city officials.
The perpetrator, identified as Grade 9 student Mohammad Mael Jalani, initially targeted a teacher but missed before fatally shooting a student on the fourth floor. Subsequently, he proceeded to the fifth floor where he took his own life, as detailed in the initial police report.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the assailant broadcasted the attack on Facebook Live, starting from his ascent up the stairs. The authorities plan to investigate the suspect’s gaming and chat history for insights into the motive behind the violent act.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and the police confirmed the suspect’s self-inflicted gunshot wound. The high school building where the tragedy occurred is a secure section of the university campus, prompting Ateneo to suspend classes at all levels immediately following the incident.
Despite the tightened security measures promised by the police after a previous school shooting in June, firearms-related crimes remain a concern in the Philippines, though school shootings are rare occurrences.
The tragic event has once again raised questions about gun control and safety measures in educational institutions, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence to prevent future tragedies.