19/08/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE DAVAO CITY YOUTH FOR GREEN ENVIRONMENT, INC.
On the Tragic Incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University
The Davao City Youth for Green Environment, Inc. (DCYGE Inc.) expresses its deepest sorrow and condemnation over the tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus on 18 August 2026, resulting in the loss of young lives and injuries to members of the school community.
Our hearts go out to the family of the student who lost his life, to the families of those affected, to the injured, and to the entire Ateneo de Zamboanga University community. We likewise extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to everyone who witnessed or was affected by this traumatic event.
Schools must be sanctuaries of learning, growth, friendship, and hopeโnot places where young people should fear for their lives. Every student has the fundamental right to study in an environment where safety, dignity, and well-being are protected.
DCYGE strongly condemns violence in all its forms, particularly violence that places children and young people at risk. At the same time, we call on everyone to allow the authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation. We must refrain from spreading unverified information, graphic materials, accusations, or speculation that may further traumatize the victims, their families, and the wider school community.
This tragedy should compel all stakeholdersโschools, families, government agencies, law enforcement authorities, youth organizations, and communitiesโto seriously examine existing mechanisms for school safety, violence prevention, crisis response, firearm security, student protection, and psychosocial support.
DCYGE further calls for:
1. Stronger School Safety Measures.
Educational institutions must continuously review and strengthen their security protocols, emergency preparedness, access-control systems, and crisis-response mechanisms while ensuring that these measures remain appropriate and respectful of students' rights.
2. Greater Protection Against Unauthorized Access to Fi****ms.
The circumstances surrounding how fi****ms were brought into a school environment must be thoroughly investigated. Responsible firearm ownership and secure storage are essential in preventing weapons from reaching children and vulnerable persons.
3. Immediate Psychosocial Support.
Students, teachers, personnel, and witnesses affected by the incident should be provided accessible psychological first aid, counseling, and other appropriate support. Trauma does not end when the immediate danger has passed.
4. A Whole-of-Community Approach to Youth Protection.
Student safety cannot rest on schools alone. Parents, guardians, educators, government agencies, youth organizations, and communities must work together to identify risks early, strengthen protective environments, and ensure that young people have safe avenues to seek help.
5. Responsible Use of Social Media.
We strongly urge the public not to download, repost, circulate, or sensationalize footage of the incident. Such materials can retraumatize victims and their families, glorify violence, and cause further harm to young people.
6. Accountability Based on Facts and Due Process.
We support a complete investigation by the appropriate authorities. Accountability must be based on verified evidence and established procedures, while the privacy and dignity of minors and affected families must be protected.
As a youth organization, DCYGE believes that protecting young people means protecting not only their physical safety but also their dignity, mental well-being, future, and right to learn without fear.
We stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, personnel, families, and communities affected by this tragedy. May this painful incident strengthen our collective resolve to build schools and communities where every young person is safe, heard, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Violence has no place in our schools.
Every young life matters.
Every student deserves to come home safe.
Our deepest condolences and prayers to all those affected. # # #
