A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in the southern Philippines as a student, armed with two pistols, fatally shot another student before taking his own life. The violent act, which was livestreamed using a body-worn camera, took place at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga City, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of students. Two individuals sustained injuries during the attack.
The perpetrator, identified as Grade 9 student Mohammad Mael Jalani, targeted a teacher and a student on different floors of the school building before ultimately ending his own life on the fifth floor. The event was captured on Facebook Live, with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealing that the assailant showcased his actions during the assault.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and local authorities confirmed that the suspect died by suicide. The high school building where the tragedy occurred is situated within a secure campus, separate from the main facilities of the Ateneo de Zamboanga. Following the incident, the university suspended classes at all levels for two days.
The use of firearms in the Philippines is a prevalent issue, exacerbated by the abundance of unlicensed weapons. Despite assurances from the police to enhance school security nationwide, such incidents remain rare. This shooting comes shortly after a similar tragedy in June, where three students were killed and multiple others injured in a school shooting in central Tacloban city, leading to the arrest of two teenage suspects.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the recent school shooting, urging the public to avoid sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary distress. The national police emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the school community during this challenging time. Additionally, it was disclosed that one of the pistols used by the suspect belonged to his father, who may face consequences for not securely storing the government-issued firearm.