CDO schools tighten campus security following Ateneo shooting

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Reeling from the shock of the fatal shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) on Tuesday, some higher education institutions in this city have swiftly strengthened security, enforcing tighter gate inspections and heightened campus surveillance.

In separate advisories released to their respective school communities, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan and Pilgrim Christian College (PCC) announced tightened security protocols as precautionary measures to safeguard students, faculty, and personnel.

Xavier University’s Office of the Vice President for Administration stated that the university was standing in prayer and support with the ADZU community while instituting stricter entry and exit checks across its campus.

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READ: Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting: 2 students dead

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“In keeping with this commitment, Xavier University is implementing enhanced security protocols at all campus entry and exit points as a precautionary measure,” the advisory read. The school advised students, staff, and visitors to expect additional access verification and to allocate extra time during peak hours.

For its part, Pilgrim Christian College, through its president and CEO Dr. Pio D. Baconga, issued Memorandum No. 8, s. 2026–2027 on Aug. 18, placing its two campuses on heightened alert effective immediately in response to the shooting.

“We have limited parking of vehicles inside the campus to staff and personnel only,” Baconga told the Inquirer on Wednesday.

He added that intensified measures include strict bag and metal detector inspections at all gates, increased visibility of security guards, and a total ban on unauthorized vehicles entering school premises.

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The institution has also coordinated with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office to maintain a regular police mobile presence around its campuses.

PCC urged the school community to remain vigilant, advising individuals to prepare for longer queues at entry points. The school also released emergency hotlines for Police Station 1 (Divisoria) and asked the school administration to report suspicious activities.