The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) urged the public to refrain from circulating images, speculation, and unverified information about the deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, saying such material could deepen the suffering of victims and their families.
The appeal followed the Aug. 18 shooting at the Jesuit-run school in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, where a ninth-grade student livestreamed himself shooting another student before taking his own life.
“We urge the public to refrain from speculation, unverified information, sensationalized commentary, and the unnecessary sharing of images or details that may further wound those affected,” CEAP said in a statement.
The group called for sensitivity as students, families, teachers, and the wider school community grappled with the attack.
“At this painful moment, we ask everyone to respond with sensitivity, compassion, and restraint, remembering that behind every report, photograph, or social media post are students, families, teachers, and a community experiencing profound grief and shock,” it said.
The shooting was the second at a Philippine school in two months. Three teenage students were killed and 20 others wounded in an attack at a school in the central Philippines in June.
In a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Regional police spokeswoman Shella Chang said the suspected shooter went to the victim’s classroom before proceeding to the fifth floor of the building and killing himself.
“What we know so far is that (the shooter) went to the classroom of our known victim. He shot the victim, and after doing that, he went up to the fifth floor and shot himself,” Chang told AFP.
Interior Secretary Victor Remulla confirmed that the suspect livestreamed the shooting on social media. His Facebook account was later disabled.
Footage circulated by local media showed the barrel of a gun moving along a hallway before being pointed into a classroom and fired. Students in school uniforms were then seen screaming and rushing for an exit.
Police were investigating the motive for the attack, the ownership and source of the firearm used, and how it was brought inside the school campus.
The Bureau of Customs later ordered the preventive suspension of an agent who owned guns allegedly used by the student.
Customs Deputy Chief of Staff Noel Bendijo said the agent was the father of the suspected shooter, but investigators had yet to establish how the student gained access to the weapons.
“The information is that he was the father of (the alleged shooter)… As for the actual firearms used and how the kid was able to access them, all of those are still under investigation,” Bendijo said.
“We’ve also spoken with the party involved. He understands, but of course, he’s also grieving because he also lost his child,” he added. “That’s a nightmare for any parent.”
Father Guillrey Andal, president of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, confirmed the two deaths and said the school was cooperating with authorities.
“We are in the process of working with the police for us to be able to identify them, so that we can communicate first with their loved ones,” Andal told reporters.
He said the shooting had caused “deep concern and worry.”
Ateneo de Zamboanga had conducted an active shooter drill the previous month following the deadly school attack in the central Philippines.
“Prior to this, our security team had even been preparing a simulation exercise, precisely because we understand the value to everyone — our students, our personnel — of safety,” Andal said.
CEAP said the tragedy should strengthen efforts to protect students and school personnel.
“Let our words and actions protect the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families, while allowing authorities and the school community the space to establish the facts and respond appropriately,” the group said.
CEAP said the tragedy should deepen the shared responsibility of schools and communities to protect children and ensure campuses remain safe, caring, vigilant, and peaceful environments.
