A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in the southern Philippines when a student armed with two pistols fatally shot a fellow student before turning the gun on himself. The harrowing attack, which was livestreamed via a body-worn camera, marked the second school shooting resulting in death in the country within a span of two months.
The shooting took place at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga City, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of students following the sound of gunfire within the high school building. Two individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
The perpetrator, identified as Mohammad Mael Jalani, a Grade 9 student, initially fired at a teacher but missed before targeting a student on the fourth floor. Subsequently, he took his own life on the fifth floor of the building. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the attacker livestreamed the assault on Facebook Live, providing glimpses of the unfolding tragedy.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect utilized a pistol belonging to his father, a Bureau of Customs police commander. The father may face administrative charges for the improper safeguarding of the government-issued firearm. The incident raised concerns about firearm-related crimes in the Philippines, despite efforts to enhance school security following a previous school shooting in Tacloban City in June.
The high school, where the tragic event occurred, is situated on a secure campus separate from the main campus of the Ateneo de Zamboanga university. The university, known for its academic excellence, suspended classes across all levels in response to the shooting.
Local officials and law enforcement are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary distress. The police assured the community of their commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the school community during this challenging time.
