Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel in and around schools in Davao City following the fatal shooting near the Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday morning.
Two students, including the alleged shooter, were confirmed dead in the incident, while nine others were initially reported injured.
The alleged shooter, a Grade 9 student reportedly considered a top-performing student, was said to have brought two firearms and allegedly recorded or livestreamed the attack.
Initial reports differed on the type of firearms carried by the suspect, with authorities saying he was armed with a pistol and a rifle, while other reports said he had two pistols.
Harvey Lanticse, chief of the City Information Office (CIO), said Duterte directed the city’s Security Cluster, through the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), to strengthen security measures in learning facilities to protect students and school personnel.
Lanticse said the city government continues to enforce security protocols in educational institutions while coordinating with the regional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd 11) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED 11) to safeguard learners.
“Our prayers and sympathies are with the people of Zamboanga, especially the victims and their families. These enhanced security measures will remain in place moving forward. We ask for everyone’s cooperation as we continue to uphold the culture of security in Davao City,” Lanticse said.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col. Peter Madria also inspected personnel of the Mobile Patrol Unit in Km. 7, Bangkal, and Ecoland Police Station as authorities stepped up security around schools.
Madria reminded police personnel to ensure rapid response to incidents, immediately activate lockdown protocols when necessary, and coordinate closely with the city’s Security Cluster to maintain public safety.
In Zamboanga City, Vice Mayor Beng Climaco established an Incident Command Post on the campus to facilitate immediate coordination and response.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are investigating how the firearms entered the school and where they were obtained. He added that investigators would also examine the suspect’s online activities, including gaming and chat history, as part of the probe.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the father of the alleged shooter was the head of the Customs Police of the BOC-Zamboanga City.
Nepomuceno said the officer had been relieved from duty while authorities determine whether the firearms used in the shooting were among those issued by the BOC.
