Ateneo de Zamboanga University, kinansela klase sa lahat ng antas; “Day of Mourning,” idineklara

• Ateneo de Zamboanga University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal SJ officially addressed the tragic campus shooting today
• Fr. Ernald confirmed there were casualties and announced the immediate cancellation of all classes to allow the community to process the shock
• The university has officially declared tomorrow a "Day of Mourning and Prayer" to honor those affected by this heartbreaking event
• The AdZU administration is urging the public to stand in solidarity with the grieving families as they cooperate fully with ongoing investigations

In a solemn press conference facilitated by the City Government of Zamboanga, University President Father Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal SJ officially stepped forward to address the devastating event, confirming that there were indeed victims in this horrific breach of campus security that has left the entire nation in shock.

Earlier today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the peaceful morning routine at Ateneo de Zamboanga University was violently shattered when a tragic shooting incident occurred within the Junior High School premises.

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Sitting before a crowd of concerned parents, media, and school officials, Fr. Ernald expressed the profound grief gripping the institution.

His voice, heavy with the weight of the tragedy, sought to address the immediate needs of the school community, prioritizing the healing of those affected above all else.

In a moment of collective mourning, Fr. Ernald announced, "We are declaring tomorrow as a 'Day of Mourning and Prayer'."

He emphasized that the institution must now find solace in shared faith and reflection during this incredibly painful moment.

To ensure that the students and faculty have the necessary time and space to process this overwhelming reality, the university has taken decisive action as regards their academic schedule.

"Classes are cancelled starting today," the President confirmed, prioritizing the emotional safety of the students over academic activities.

This move is intended to provide a necessary haven for families to reunite and begin the long, difficult process of grieving away from the pressures of school life.

The administration is currently working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to determine the exact circumstances that led to this unprecedented breach, as detailed in the official press briefing as posted by the City Government of Zamboanga.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., may matinding direktiba kasunod ng trahedyang yumanig sa AdZU

In the wake of the incident, the university is calling for silence and respect for the families who are currently bearing the brunt of this immense loss.

In related news, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conveyed deep sorrow regarding the heartbreaking violent incident that struck Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The nation's leader strictly commanded local law enforcement units to execute a comprehensive and uncompromising inquiry into the campus breach. High-ranking administration officials strongly reiterated that educational institutions must remain secure sanctuaries for learners across the Philippines. The government vowed to enforce stricter security protocols to prevent further tragedies following the alarming spate of recent school safety threats nationwide.

Earlier, Police Regional Office 9 spokesperson Major Shellamie Chang and ZCPO City Director Colonel Fidel Fortaleza officially verified the alarming gunfire incident at the university. An unidentified armed perpetrator allegedly discharged a weapon within the campus structures, causing widespread panic among fleeing students and personnel. Law enforcement personnel are actively processing the volatile crime scene to meticulously verify precise casualty numbers and investigate the root motives. Colonel Fortaleza formally relieved public anxiety by confirming that responding authorities successfully neutralized the active danger on site.

Source: KAMI.com.gh