A tragic incident unfolded in a southern Philippine high school when a student armed with two pistols fatally shot a fellow student before taking his own life. The harrowing event, which was captured on a body-worn camera and livestreamed by the perpetrator, marked the second school shooting death in the country within a span of two months.

The shooting took place at the Ateneo de Zamboanga university campus in Zamboanga, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of students after gunshots echoed through the high school building. Two individuals sustained injuries during the attack, as confirmed by police and city officials.

According to reports, the suspect, identified as Grade 9 student Mohammad Mael Jalani, targeted a teacher but missed before fatally shooting a student on the fourth floor. He then proceeded to take his own life on the fifth floor of the building. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the assailant broadcasted parts of the attack on Facebook Live, showcasing his actions leading up to the tragic event.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and local authorities confirmed that the suspect ended his own life following the shooting. The incident occurred within a secured campus area separate from the main campus of the university, which subsequently suspended classes at all levels in the wake of the tragedy.

Despite security assurances from the police following a previous school shooting in June, where three students were killed and several others injured in Tacloban city, the recent incident underscores the ongoing challenges with firearm-related crimes in the Philippines. The suspect’s access to firearms, including a pistol belonging to his father, has raised concerns about gun safety and regulation within the community.

As investigations continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, authorities urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and images that could incite unnecessary panic. The national police chief emphasized the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of the school community as they navigate the aftermath of the shooting.