Ninth-grader kills classmate and himself in Zamboanga school shooting

A ninth‑grade student opened fire at a high school in Zamboanga City, Philippines, killing a fellow student before taking his own life, officials said. The incident occurred during school hours on Tuesday, prompting an immediate lockdown of the campus and a rapid response from local police and emergency services. Authorities recovered the firearm at the scene and confirmed that no other individuals were injured. The victim, identified as a 14‑year‑old student, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, while the shooter, also 14, was found deceased on school grounds.

The shooting has raised concerns in a country where school‑related gun violence is uncommon, prompting the Department of Education to call for a thorough investigation and the reinforcement of security measures in educational institutions. Police are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage to determine the motive behind the attack. Community leaders and school officials expressed condolences to the families affected and pledged support for counseling services for students and staff. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to provide a comprehensive account of the tragedy.