Zamboanga, Philippines – Two students are dead and nine others are wounded after a gunman opened fire inside the Junior High School campus of Ateneo de Zamboanga University on the morning of Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The attack has shaken the school community and drawn attention across the country and among Filipinos overseas.
According to a news report, the shooting unfolded during class hours, and the university has since confirmed the deaths of two students while authorities work to piece together what happened.
What Happened Inside the Campus
Based on available accounts, the gunman walked into a classroom while carrying a long firearm and started shooting at the students inside. At first, some did not seem to notice him. Moments later, students scrambled to escape, rushing out through two separate doors to get away.
Reports indicate that the shooter did not stop there. He allegedly:
- Walked out of the first classroom and into another hallway
- Entered a second classroom
- Opened fire again on those inside
The attacker was also said to have live streamed the entire ordeal, capturing the moment he entered the room before firing. The footage has since circulated online, adding to the shock felt by parents, students, and the wider public.
As of this writing, there is still no official word on who the shooter is or what pushed him to carry out the attack. Investigators are expected to release more details as the probe continues.
Ateneo de Zamboanga’s Official Statement
University officials moved quickly to address the tragedy. In its statement, Ateneo de Zamboanga University said:
“The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is saddened by the incident that happened today on our JHS campus. As of now, we confirm that there are two (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.”
The school stressed that student safety remains its priority. It has reached out to parents and guardians to fetch their children and secured those still on campus. Officials also set up official channels to share verified updates.
The university closed its message with a request for compassion: “In the meantime, we ask everyone to respect the privacy of all affected individuals. We pray for the quick resolution of the situation and for the safety of all.”
More information is expected as authorities complete their investigation.