Jonvic: No security lapse in AdZU shooting
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday ruled out any security lapse on the part of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) which led to Tuesday’s shooting where two students were killed, affirming investigators who said the shooter gained entry to the Junior High School campus through the emergency exit.
Remulla went to the campus in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City, to inspect the scene where a Grade 10 student was killed and another wounded before the shooter, a Grade 8 student, killed himself.
He said the shooter “was not bullied and had no connection with the slain student.”
“We determined that they did not know each other. The suspect was an exceptional student, intelligent, with straight 90s in his grades,” he added.
“There was no lapse on the part of Ateneo. They followed the law and checked the bags. The shooter simply found an opportunity,” Remulla also said.
Police also confirmed the suspect used his father’s firearm.
Remulla said the father, who works in the Bureau of Customs, is cooperating with authorities since the gun used in the incident belonged to him.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno had noted earlier the shooter’s father left his firearm in the vehicle he drove to drop off his son.
The shooter’s family has also requested privacy since “they have more questions than answers,” Remulla said.
He emphasized 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 online misinformation.
Digital footprint
He noted that investigators are examining the suspect’s digital footprint, citing his alleged heavy exposure to first-person shooter games, particularly Roblox.
“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 said.
The interior chief 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 are expected to come up with a final report by Aug. 24, Remulla said, as he stressed the importance of restoring normalcy.
“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,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who also visited the university on Thursday and met with its administration, appealed to the public to refrain from spreading speculation and false information regarding the school shooting.
“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.
The Philippine National Police said on Friday it will strengthen security rules on handling and safekeeping of firearms to prevent their unauthorized access.
“We remind all our personnel to exercise utmost responsibility in securing their firearms, especially when they are off duty and at home. Firearms must never be left in places where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to them,” PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Firearm accountability
He said he had instructed police commanders to conduct firearm accountability procedures during unit briefings to remind all police officers of proper handling of firearms, especially when off duty.
“Here in the PNP, we will continue to remind our personnel that owning or carrying a firearm comes with a serious responsibility. One moment of negligence can result in the loss of life. We support calls for stricter accountability among gun owners. Responsible storage is nonnegotiable,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said recently it had recorded at least 50 incidents in schools involving children in conflict with the law from June 16, almost a week before the Tacloban school shooting on June 22, to Aug. 19.
Police said apart from the two school shootings, there were 26 alleged bomb threats, 12 alleged shooting threats, four stabbing incidents, four arrests for illegal possession of firearms and two death threats. —WITH A REPORT FROM DIANNE SAMPANG
