A screengrab from the livestream of the Grade 9 student identified by authorities as the shooter in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus shooting on Tuesday, August 18. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the student livestreamed the incident before dying after jumping from a campus building.
The Department of Education on Tuesday expressed concern over the shooting at an Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus and offered assistance to students, families and school personnel affected by the incident.
DepEd said it was prepared to coordinate with the school, authorities and other parties involved as the community dealt with the aftermath of the shooting.
The agency also began working with mental health partners to make psychological first aid and psychosocial services available to those affected.
Education officials stressed the need to protect the welfare of students, particularly because minors were involved in the incident.
DepEd urged the public to exercise caution when posting or circulating information about the shooting on social media.
It specifically appealed against sharing unverified claims as well as sensitive images, videos and personal details that could expose or further distress the minors involved.
The department’s statement came as authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was brought onto the school premises.
Authorities have since confirmed two deaths in the incident, including the student identified as the shooter and a Grade 10 student.
