The incident occurred at the university's basic education campus while classes were ongoing. Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso confirmed that both fatalities were students and that one of them was the alleged shooter. Authorities later declared that the situation had been brought under control and that there was no longer an active shooter on campus.
Shooting happened during classes
According to Mayor Olaso's account, which was based partly on video evidence being examined by investigators, the student allegedly entered the school carrying firearms and initially fired toward a teacher. The teacher apparently was not hit.
The student then proceeded to another area of the school, where another student was shot and later died. The alleged gunman also died during the incident. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct exactly what happened and determine the circumstances that led to the attack.
Reports also indicate that the shooting was apparently recorded or livestreamed using a camera worn by the alleged shooter. Police are examining available video and other digital evidence as part of the investigation.
Videos purportedly connected to the incident circulated rapidly on social media shortly after the shooting. Authorities and the school have appealed to the public not to spread disturbing footage or unverified information, particularly because the individuals involved are minors.
Reports on injuries continue to be clarified
Aside from the two confirmed fatalities, reports regarding the number of injured people developed throughout the morning.
The Zamboanga City government's Public Information Office was cited by DZRH as reporting nine individuals injured in connection with the incident. Philstar.com also reported nine injured based on local media information.
Earlier, however, Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Ernald Andal told reporters that there were two confirmed fatalities and that, at that point, the university had not received reports of additional fatalities or injuries.
The difference reflects how information was still being consolidated by school officials, police and the local government during the first hours following the shooting. The official casualty and injury figures may therefore be further clarified as authorities complete their accounting.
Early Grade 7 report differs from later police information
Initial reports circulating shortly after the incident described the alleged shooter as a Grade 7 student. However, a later SunStar report citing police said the alleged gunman was a Grade 9 student, while the student who was killed was reportedly in Grade 10.
Because the police investigation is still ongoing and those involved are minors, their identities are not being included in this report.
There is also no verified information at this time establishing that the student who was killed was a mayor's child, despite claims circulating on social media. Such information should not be treated as confirmed unless established by the family, school or authorities.
School assures parents situation is under control
Following the shooting, security personnel and police secured the campus while parents and guardians were instructed to pick up their children.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University said it was coordinating closely with authorities and assured families that student safety remained its priority. The school's Grade School and Junior High School units separately said students had been accounted for.
Classes at Ateneo de Zamboanga were suspended following the incident as authorities continued their investigation and students were released to their parents and guardians.
University President Andal also confirmed that there was no longer an active shooter and that the campus situation had been contained.
PNP launches investigation
Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units were coordinating with school officials and other government agencies to ensure the safe and orderly movement of students, teachers and personnel.
The PNP said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and appealed to the public to avoid circulating unconfirmed reports, photographs and videos that could create unnecessary fear or distress.
Police Regional Office 9 personnel responded to the campus after authorities received reports of the shooting on Tuesday morning. Regional police spokesperson Major Shellamie Chang said police forces were deployed to secure the school.
Among the key questions investigators are expected to establish are how the student obtained the firearms, how the weapons were brought onto campus, whether another person was involved, and what may have motivated the attack.
Authorities have not yet announced a definitive motive.
DepEd expresses concern
The Department of Education (DepEd) also issued a statement saying it was gravely concerned about the shooting and expressed solidarity with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community.
DepEd said it was coordinating with the appropriate authorities and offered assistance following the incident.
Although Ateneo de Zamboanga is a private educational institution, the incident has renewed concerns about campus security, learner protection, mental health support and protocols for preventing and responding to violence in schools.
Notably, Ateneo de Zamboanga University had conducted an active-shooter response drill in July 2026, about a month before Tuesday's incident, as part of its campus emergency preparedness activities.
Public urged not to spread graphic videos and rumors
As the investigation continues, authorities and school officials are urging the public to rely on verified information.
Claims involving the identities, grade levels, family backgrounds or possible motives of the students should be treated cautiously unless confirmed by police or other official sources.
The circulation of graphic footage involving minors may also cause additional trauma to the victims' families, classmates, teachers and the wider school community.
As of late Tuesday morning, August 18, authorities have confirmed two deaths, including the alleged student shooter, while officials continue to verify the circumstances of the attack and the number and condition of other people affected.
This is a developing story. Information may change as the Philippine National Police, Zamboanga City Government and Ateneo de Zamboanga University release additional verified details.
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August 18, 2026
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