The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday assured full assistance to the students, families, and school personnel affected by a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City.
Expressing deep concern over the tragedy, the department extended its solidarity to the school community while law enforcement and emergency personnel continued to respond on the ground.
“DepEd stands with the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during this difficult time and is ready to extend whatever support and assistance we can to the affected learners, families, school personnel, and concerned authorities,” the department said in a statement.
To help those impacted process the trauma, the agency said it is actively coordinating with mental health partners to deploy psychological first aid and psychosocial support to learners and staff.
With minors involved in the incident, DepEd appealed to the public to practice restraint, urging social media users not to share unverified reports, sensitive photos, videos or graphic details surrounding the event.
As of Tuesday, local authorities were still managing the active situation. Initial reports indicate at least two individuals were killed or injured, though official verification of their medical conditions and identities remains pending from security forces. DepEd affirmed it will maintain close coordination with responding authorities and provide continuous assistance to the school community as necessary.