A shooting incident at a high school in southern Philippines has left two students dead, including the shooter. The event took place at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City on the morning of August 18. According to preliminary police reports, the suspect, a ninth-grade student, entered the campus armed with a handgun and a rifle, opening fire on students in a classroom.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso stated that the suspect appeared to have been livestreaming the attack. The shooter initially fired at a teacher, although it is unclear if the teacher was injured. Subsequently, the suspect shot a fellow student, resulting in the victim's death, before taking his own life.

The school principal, Ernald Andal, expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that the safety of all students is the school's top priority. He confirmed that the situation is now under control, with no further threats or casualties reported. Hundreds of students were safely evacuated from the premises.

Images broadcast by ANC showed parents and students gathering outside the school, alongside police and military personnel. Forensic investigators were also present at the scene. This marks the second school shooting in the Philippines in less than two months. In June, a shooting at a public high school in Tacloban resulted in the deaths of at least three students and injuries to around 20 others when two students opened fire on campus.

While school shootings are rare in the Philippines due to relatively strict gun ownership laws, including background checks and psychological evaluations, the issue of illegal firearms remains a concern. This latest incident occurred less than ten days after a shocking shooting at a school in Thailand that left nine people dead, with the perpetrator being a male student.