Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting: DepEd Chief Denies Bullying, Depression Claims as Motive Remains a 'Mystery'

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday, August 19, categorically denied two widely circulated speculations surrounding the tragic school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, stating that there is no evidence the Grade 8 student gunman was bullied or depressed. Speaking to reporters after a closed-door briefing with university officials, city leaders, and police, Angara described the motive behind the attack as a complete "mystery," urging the public to wait for confirmed details from the ongoing investigation.

"It's not true that the child is being bullied. It's also not true that he is depressed because he has a family network. He has many cousins," Angara said, directly addressing the rumors that have spread rapidly on social media since the incident. The Secretary cautioned against jumping to conclusions, adding, "It's better to not give conclusive remarks if the evidence is not yet clear." The briefing included Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, local government officials, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The Incident and the Investigation

The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, August 18, at approximately 7:45 a.m., when a Grade 8 student opened fire on his schoolmates before turning the gun on himself. The reported death toll stands at two: the student gunman and a Grade 10 student. According to Angara, investigators have yet to determine whom the student specifically intended to target. The attack, which was livestreamed on social media via a body-mounted camera, saw the student enter two classrooms, though he only discharged his weapon in the second room.

"He didn't fire the gun in the first classroom he went to... So it's not really clear who the target is," Angara explained, highlighting the confusing nature of the evidence gathered so far. The Department of Education (DepEd) is not ruling out the influence of online nihilistic or violent groups on the student, though this remains speculative. When asked about reports that the student was a heavy gamer, Angara responded cautiously: "Hindi rin natin alam kung totoo 'yon. Hindi pa conclusive 'yon. Maari, could be a factor but we don't know at this stage." (We don't know if that's true. It's not conclusive. It could be a factor but we don't know at this stage.)

Recovered Firearms and the Father's Suspension

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez confirmed in a press briefing on Wednesday that authorities recovered two firearms and a "voluminous amount of ammunition" from the scene. Among the weapons were a .40-caliber firearm and a 9mm-caliber firearm, along with a "gadget" for handguns that resembles a rifle. Investigators also recovered two live 9mm rounds and five live .40-caliber rounds, as well as fired cartridges indicating a minimum of seven shots had been fired.

Both firearms used in the attack were owned by the student's father, Lt. Lars Jalani II, a customs police officer at the Port of Zamboanga. One weapon was a Bureau of Customs-issued .40-caliber Glock 22 pistol, while the other was a personal licensed firearm. How the student gained access to these weapons remains unclear. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the preventive suspension of the father on August 18, a move that has since been implemented.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed strong skepticism over the father's claim that his son grabbed the firearms from a gun bag left in a car. "Ang turing nila (law enforcement) sa kanilang baril ay parang asawa nila yan. Hindi nila iniiwan. Lagi nilang dala," Remulla said, emphasizing that trained officers treat their firearms like a spouse—never leaving them behind and always carrying them. He described the father's story as "highly improbable," given the strict protocols for weapon safekeeping in police training.

Conflicting Reports on Motive

While Angara and Remulla have urged caution, Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso offered a different perspective in a GMA News interview. The mayor suggested the shooter had been experiencing significant pressure over his grades and may have been depressed. According to Olaso, the student, despite being an honor student, was striving for higher academic marks and felt immense pressure. "So 'yung motive niya is 'yung teacher. Parang 'yun ang gusto niyang gantihan," Olaso said, suggesting the student may have sought revenge against a teacher.

However, Remulla countered that it is "too early to tell" what exactly triggered the shooting, as the investigation is still in its early stages. The conflicting statements highlight the challenges authorities face in piecing together the events that led to this devastating act of violence. For the families and the community, the lack of a clear motive adds another layer of anguish to an already painful situation.

Community Grief and Official Response

The local government unit of Zamboanga City officially declared Wednesday, August 19, a day of mourning for the two students who lost their lives. Classes at all levels were suspended in both public and private schools within the city, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University extended its class suspension until Thursday, August 20. At least 21 students were treated for panic attacks, anxiety, and minor abrasions following the attack, according to city disaster officials, underscoring the profound psychological impact on the student body.

"We appeal to everyone to remain calm and compassionate, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow the proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation," the LGU's statement read. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also appealed to the media on Wednesday to exercise restraint in reporting details about the incident. PCO Secretary Dave Gomez stressed that state media were advised to exercise the "highest level of caution" in reporting tragedies involving minors, while calling on private media to report responsibly.

"In particular, we ask for restraint in reporting that may compromise the dignity, safety, and privacy of minors, the bereaved families, and the ongoing response and investigation efforts, and to avoid details that may encourage copycat acts," the statement read. Psychiatrist Randy Dellosa echoed this sentiment, telling ANC that "the less people talk about the perpetrator, the better." He warned that limiting information about the underage perpetrator would prevent him from being perceived as a "martyr" and idolized, which could inspire copycat acts. "Potential perpetrators are studying the event… The less they know of the process, of what happened, the better," Dellosa said.

A Nation Grappling with a New Reality

This incident marks the country's second fatal school shooting in two months and the first at a private school in recent history. In June, three students were killed after a student opened fire on his schoolmates at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. That incident prompted the education department to order the conduct of school shooter drills in public and private schools—a measure that now feels tragically prescient. While school shootings in the Philippines are not common, gun violence remains a persistent issue, and this latest tragedy has forced a national reckoning.

For Filipino families, the fear is palpable. Parents are asking how a child can access a service firearm, how a young student can plan such an attack, and what signs were missed. The trauma extends beyond Zamboanga City, touching students and teachers across the nation who now wonder if their own classrooms are safe. Dellosa emphasized the need to focus on the victims, noting that incidents like these leave deep trauma among young witnesses. "The students themselves have experienced the impact of death. Teenage life is a time of invincibility eh…but now they're afraid that the person beside them might be the one who might down them," he said.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging patience and restraint. The DepEd has committed to reviewing safety protocols in schools, while the PNP is examining how the firearms were obtained. For now, the community of Zamboanga City mourns, and the nation watches closely, hoping for answers that may never fully come. The mystery of why a young student would commit such an act remains unsolved, leaving a grieving community to pick up the pieces and search for meaning in an inexplicable tragedy.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: Philstar.com.