18/08/2026
Praying for the families of victims. Gun violence has NO place in the Philippines!
I Am Mindanao: Statement on the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Shooting
I Am Mindanao condemns the senseless violence that struck Ateneo de Zamboanga University today, August 18, 2026.
Today, Mindanao grieves.
Our schools must remain sanctuaries where young people learn, dream, and build their futures without fear. A classroom should never become a place of terror. A university should never become a place where lives are taken.
What happened in Zamboanga is not only the tragedy of one university or one city. It is a wound felt across Mindanao.
For too long, Mindanao has been portrayed through images of guns, conflict, extremism, and bloodshed. We refuse to allow this tragedy to reinforce that old and damaging story. This violence does not define Zamboanga. It does not define us.
Mindanao is greater than its tragedies. We are peoples and communities who know the cost of conflict and therefore understand the value of peace.
We call for a thorough and impartial investigation and for accountability based on facts. We also urge everyone to refrain from spreading graphic images, videos, rumors, and speculation.
Tragedy must never become content. The dignity of the victims, their families, and the Ateneo community must come first.
Above all, this moment must strengthen—not weaken—our commitment to a culture of peace. Peace cannot exist only in agreements, conferences, and slogans. It must live in our classrooms, homes, campuses, communities, and in the way we confront anger, hatred, and conflict.
To the families who mourn, we mourn with you. To the entire Ateneo de Zamboanga University community, Mindanao stands with you.
We are more than the violence that has marked our history. We are more than the stereotypes imposed upon us.
Today, we grieve. Tomorrow, we continue the work of peace.
I Am Mindanao. We choose peace.
