The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for stronger school safety and child protection measures following a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that left two minors dead and two others injured.
The incident occurred on Aug. 18, 2026 with the alleged shooter, a Grade 9 student, also among those killed after reportedly taking their own life.
The CHR said authorities should conduct a thorough investigation into how the minor gained access to firearms and determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Also, the commission urged authorities to strengthen safeguards to prevent children from gaining access to guns, while ensuring that students affected by the incident receive psychosocial and mental health support.
“Prevention must look beyond the immediate violence and address the conditions that place children at risk while keeping schools safe spaces for learning, development, and peace,” the CHR said.
The CHR stressed that these circumstances should be considered before conclusions are reached about the incident.
“As we face another tragedy involving children, CHR stresses that the best interests of the child must remain paramount,” the commission said.
It added that accountability, child protection and violence prevention can be pursued together.
The shooting at the Zamboanga City school resulted in the deaths of two students, including the Grade 9 student who allegedly opened fire, while two others were injured.#