Ateneo de Zamboanga Confirms 2 Fatalities After Junior High School Shooting

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Ateneo de Zamboanga University confirmed two fatalities following a shooting incident at its Junior High School campus on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

In an official statement, the university said it was saddened by the incident and confirmed that two people had died. The school said it was coordinating with authorities and would provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.

The university emphasized that the safety of its students remains its top priority.

School Situation Under Control

The university said it had coordinated with parents and guardians and ensured the safety of students who remained on campus.

A separate advisory from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Grade School said its students were safe and accounted for and remained under the care and supervision of their respective class moderators.

The school said parents and guardians would receive further information regarding the release of students.

Authorities have also said the situation is under control, with security measures in place as the investigation continues.

University Calls for Privacy and Responsible Sharing

Ateneo de Zamboanga University appealed to the public to respect the privacy of those affected by the incident.

The university also said it had established official communication channels through which verified information would be released.

The appeal comes amid the circulation of photographs, videos and other claims on social media related to the incident.

The City Government of Zamboanga likewise urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, rumors, photographs or videos that could cause unnecessary alarm or potentially interfere with the ongoing police investigation.

The public was advised to rely on official announcements from the city government, police, school management and other authorized authorities.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

As of the latest official information available, the university and authorities have not released all details surrounding the incident.

Politikanta Minute will continue to update this report as verified information becomes available.

Readers are reminded not to share graphic material, unverified claims or footage related to the incident. Respect for the victims, their families, students, teachers and the wider school community should remain a priority.

This is a developing story.