Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel in and around schools in Davao City following the fatal shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School area in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday morning.
Two students, including the alleged shooter, were confirmed dead following the incident.
The alleged shooter, a Grade 9 student reportedly considered “top of the class,” was said to have carried two firearms and allegedly recorded or livestreamed the shooting.
Initial reports said nine others were injured in the incident.
Authorities said the suspect was armed with a pistol and a rifle. Other reports said he carried two pistols.
Harvey Lanticse, chief of the City Information Office (CIO), said Duterte directed the city’s Security Cluster, through the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), to strengthen security measures in learning facilities to protect students and school personnel.
Lanticse added that the Davao City government continues to implement security protocols in educational institutions and coordinate closely with the regional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED 11) to ensure the welfare of learners.
“Our prayers and sympathies are with the people of Zamboanga, especially the victims and their families. These enhanced security measures will remain in place moving forward. We ask for everyone’s cooperation as we continue to uphold the culture of security in Davao City,” Lanticse said.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Peter Madria also inspected personnel of the Mobile Patrol Unit in Km. 7, Bangkal, and Ecoland Police Station as authorities further tightened security around schools.
Madria reminded personnel to ensure rapid response to incidents, immediately activate lockdown protocols when necessary, and coordinate closely with the city’s Security Cluster to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Beng Climaco established an Incident Command Post on the campus to facilitate immediate coordination and response.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are investigating how the firearms entered the school and where they were obtained. He also said authorities would examine the suspect’s online activities and gaming and chat history as part of the investigation.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the father of the alleged shooter was the head of the Customs Police of the Bureau of Customs-Zamboanga City. He said the officer had been relieved from duty while authorities investigate whether the firearms used in the shooting were among those issued by the BOC.
