Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara on Wednesday said that the motive behind the recent tragic school shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) in Zamboanga City remains a ‘mystery,’ but did not discount the possible involvement of online groomers.
‘So ‘yun, ang sinasabi ko kanina medyo misteryoso pa sa atin kung ano ang nag- trigger dito. Maaring di ba, sabi nga nung isang official dito, huwag natin iroll-out na may groomer siya online,’ Angara, who went to AdZU, told reporters in an interview with the media shortly after he met with university officials led by President Fr. Guillrey Anthony M. Andal, SJ, Zamboanga City local government officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a joint security briefing to evaluate campus protocols and streamline emergency measures.
Angara also called on entire communities to adopt a whole-of-nation approach to campus safety and youth well-being.
Although it is not yet conclusive, Angara said that the possible connection of online gaming world that could lead to the danger of grooming may be a ‘factor.’
‘Hindi rin natin alam na totoo yun ha? Hindi pa conclusive ‘yun. So maaring it could be a factor but we don’t know yet at this stage,’ Angara said, adding that an online groomer may use ones emotional reactions like anger to manipulate victims online.
Angara also said that the student is not depressed for he did not lack love of family.
Meanwhile, DepEd officials and Angara extended his deepest condolences to the grieving families and the entire Ateneo de Zamboanga community. He emphasized that learner safety and youth welfare are universal concerns that transcend public-private school distinctions.
‘Dapat natin i-approach itong problema bilang isang komunidad, dahil problema ito hindi lang ng isang eskwelahan pero palagay ko problema ito ng ating kabataan, ng komunidad, at ng bawat komunidad sa buong bansa,’ Angara said, calling for unity across all sectors.
During discussions with school officials and local authorities, Angara highlighted that while physical safeguards-such as perimeter fences, CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and heightened police visibility-are vital, they must be paired with active community engagement and strong emotional support systems within schools.
‘Tinitignan natin hindi lang seguridad, hindi lang bakod, hindi lang CCTV, hindi lang metal detector. Importante din iyon, pero importante din ang mag-reach out ang ating komunidad starting sa school communities…Talagang makihalubilo tayo sa ating mga estudyante, kilalanin natin sila, kumustahin natin sila. Kasi ang silbi talaga ng eskwelahan hindi lang magturo, kung hindi parang pangalawang tahanan,’ Angara explained.
Angara also emphasized that safe environments begin at home, urging parents to stay closely attuned to their children’s well-being.
He added that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized creating a welcoming atmosphere where teachers actively check on learners’ well-being and older learners serve as protective kuya and ate to their schoolmates.
To address security vulnerabilities, the PNP would step up police visibility around school perimeters, while barangay tanods will be deployed to reinforce safety, especially in schools lacking security guards.
Angara also underscored the need to scale up socio-emotional learning and mental health initiatives across all schools, as psychosocial support interventions are currently being delivered to affected individuals by the university.
He also met with school principals from the Zamboanga City Schools Division Office (SDO) to directly address frontline operational concerns, focusing on strategies to address classroom shortages and concrete steps to heighten campus security measures.
Addressing the online aftermath of the incident, Angara reiterated an urgent appeal to the public, digital content creators, and news outlets to practice responsible digital behavior and protect the dignity of minors.
‘Ang pagprotekta sa mga bata ay nangangahulugan din ng pagprotekta sa kanilang privacy at dignidad,’ Angara emphasized, citing reports of unverified rumors and graphic, content circulating online. Ang pagpapakalat ng mga hindi kumpirmadong detalye, sensitibong larawan, o marahas na video ay lalo lamang nagpapalalim ng trauma at nagdudulot ng karagdagang dalamhati sa mga nagdadalamhating pamilya, mga batang mag-aaral, at mga empleyado ng paaralan,’ Angara said.
DepEd urges the public to immediately cease sharing sensitive images or unverified accounts and to grant affected families the dignity, space, and privacy needed during this painful period.
As the police investigation continues, Angara appealed to the public and the media to avoid making premature conclusions while the facts are still being established.
DepEd continues to coordinate closely with local government units, security forces, private school associations, and mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive, sustained support and reinforced safety measures across campuses nationwide.