2 Killed, 9 Injured in Philippine School Shooting in Zamboanga; Investigation Underway

August 18, 2026

Manila: Two people were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at the junior high school campus of Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, according to local authorities and reports.

The two people killed were students, including the suspected shooter, who was also a student at the school. The incident took place at the university’s junior high school campus in Zamboanga City.

According to reports, the suspected shooter entered the school carrying firearms and opened fire before taking his own life. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the attack, including how the student managed to bring firearms onto the campus.

Two students killed, nine injured

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said the shooting took place in the morning at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University junior high school campus.

The suspected shooter reportedly entered the school carrying a rifle and a handgun before opening fire. He later died by suicide.

The two fatalities were students, while nine other people were taken to hospital following the shooting, according to local reports. The exact condition of those injured was not immediately clear.

The incident prompted authorities to secure the campus, while parents arrived to collect their children.

The school confirmed the incident and said it was cooperating with authorities. It also suspended classes for senior high school students, while students in other sections were accounted for and kept under supervision.

Police probe how firearms entered campus

The Philippine National Police launched an investigation into the shooting and how the student managed to bring firearms inside the school premises.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr directed police personnel to coordinate with school authorities and other agencies to ensure the safety of students, teachers and other school personnel.

Authorities said the situation was under control and appealed to parents and guardians to remain calm and follow the school’s instructions regarding the collection of students.

The Department of Education expressed concern over the incident and said it was ready to provide assistance to affected students, families and school personnel.

It also said it was coordinating with mental health partners to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to those affected.

The department urged the public not to spread unverified information or circulate sensitive photographs, videos or other details related to the shooting, particularly because minors were involved.

Investigation underway

Authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive and how the firearms were obtained and brought onto the campus.

The incident is the second fatal school shooting reported in the Philippines in nearly two months. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has called for an investigation into the Zamboanga shooting and measures to prevent violence in schools.