Remulla: No security lapse by Ateneo in Zamboanga school shooting

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday ruled out any security lapse on the part of the elite Jesuit-run Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) that led to the deadly shooting on Tuesday, saying the shooter gained entry into the Junior High School campus through the emergency exit.

Remulla went to the AdZU campus in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, to check on the incident that killed a Grade 10 student who was known as a science and math whiz kid and wounded another.

He noted that the shooter — a Grade 8 student who later shot himself — “was not bullied and had no connection with the slain student.”

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“We determined that they did not know each other. The suspect was an exceptional student, intelligent, with straight 90s in his grades,” Remulla said.

Investigators revealed that the suspect gained entry through the school’s emergency exit, which was unlocked at 7:30 a.m. as part of the standard security protocol on the campus.

The shooter entered the school at 7:50 a.m., bypassing the main gate security, the investigation showed.

“There was no lapse on the part of Ateneo. They followed the law and checked the bags. The shooter simply found an opportunity,” Remulla said.

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He noted that investigators are examining the digital footprint of the suspect, citing his alleged heavy exposure to first-person shooter games, particularly Roblox.

READ: Remulla claims Zamboanga shooter may have been influenced by Roblox

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“It was all in his head. We believe the undue influence came from the games he played. The attack mirrored video game scenarios, with firearms displayed in a first-person perspective,” Remulla added.

The secretary reiterated his proposal for a total ban of Roblox in the country, citing its alleged links to the dark web, and urged Congress to draft stricter legislation on firearm accountability and safekeeping.

Police confirmed that the suspect used his father’s government-issued firearm in the attack.

The family is cooperating with authorities but has requested privacy, as “they have more questions than answers,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief also emphasized that there was no conspiracy or accomplices involved.

“He acted alone. He planned this himself. The weapon was his father’s issued firearm,” he stated, dismissing circulating misinformation online.

The final police report is expected by Monday, Aug. 24, Remulla said, as he stressed the importance of restoring normalcy, especially among parents worried about the safety of their children in school in the wake of the fatal campus attack.

“Parents must not lose faith that their children are safe. The enemy of fake news is the truth, and that is why we are releasing all verified information,” Remulla said.

Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who also went to AdZU and met with university management on Thursday, appealed to the public to refrain from spreading speculation and false information regarding the deadly school shooting.

He stressed that only a full investigation by authorities can determine the motive behind the attack inside the AdZU high school campus.

“We have seen the videos — the student fired shots, and what is in the video speaks for itself. But as to the motive, why he did it, it is proper for the proper agencies of government to finish their investigation first,” Abalos said.

He warned that circulating unverified claims and fake news only worsens the situation for the community, especially for students, teachers and families affected.

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“Stop the speculation, stop the fake news. Let us wait for the investigation. Fake news does not help; it harms the community,” Abalos emphasized. /das