Nihilistic extremism eyed in Zamboanga shooting

Philippine police gather at a school following a shooting in Zamboanga on Aug. 18, 2026.

AFP / Roel Parreno

MANILA, Philippines — Nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) may have influenced a junior high school student who shot and killed a classmate before shooting himself dead on Tuesday inside the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) campus, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“We can’t rule it (NVE) out because it’s a different thing. Who are they talking to online? If the groomer sees that the minor is disenchanted, he will further provoke him to be angry because that’s the role of nihilistic violent groups,” Angara said yesterday.

“Parents should also know who their children are talking to,” he said.

Angara also supported proposals to ban minors from using social media apps.

He noted that an active shooter drill was scheduled to be held at Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School on Sept. 1.

“The event was postponed. We didn’t expect it to happen,” he said.

According to Angara, authorities are still determining the motive of the shooter.

“They said he was not a problem. Although he joked sometimes that he was mad at his classmates. His family thought it was just a joke. So that’s the mystery for us now,” Angara said.

Angara asked the public to stop sharing unverified information amid reports that the shooter was after a teacher.

He also said the suspect was not a victim of bullying.

Classes suspended

“In view of the circumstances affecting the university community, and to allow sufficient time to attend to the safety and well-being of our students and personnel, classes at all levels remain suspended (today),” Ateneo de Zamboanga University president Fr. Ernald Andal said in a memorandum.?

He asked everyone to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information or sensitive images and respect the privacy of those affected.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle asked families to strengthen the human connection with their children following the shooting incident.

Angara said the Department of Education will extend assistance to the victims, their families and the school. –  Roel Pareño, Janvic Mateo, EJ Macababbad, Evelyn Macairan