Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
AdZU community grapples with trauma week after campus shooting
Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Pagadian City continues to mourn following a fatal shooting on August 18 that killed two high school students, including the gunman. Mental health professionals note that grief from such incidents does not follow a predictable timeline.
LSN Philippines ·
PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The Ateneo de Zamboanga University community remains immersed in grief seven days after a shooting incident on its Tumaga campus left two high school students dead, including the person who opened fire.
Counseling services at the private institution have intensified support for traumatized students and staff members as the campus works to process the August 18 tragedy. Mental health experts have emphasized that recovery from such traumatic events varies significantly among individuals, with no standardized timeline for healing.
The university has implemented psychological support programs and created safe spaces for members of the academic community to process their emotions and experiences. Administrators have pledged continued assistance to those affected while the institution navigates its path toward normalcy.
The shooting has reignited broader discussions about campus safety and mental health awareness in educational institutions across the region. School officials have indicated plans to review security protocols and enhance student wellness initiatives in the coming weeks.