The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over another school shooting, this time in Tumaga, Zamboanga City, on 18 August 2026, which resulted in the deaths of two minors. CHR extends its deepest condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and the entire school community.

CHR Region IX conducted an independent investigation on the same day as the incident. Initial findings indicate that the incident involved two junior high school students and firearms within the school premises. The Commission stresses the need for a thorough and impartial investigation, including into how a minor gained access to the firearms and brought them inside the school.

Preventing similar incidents requires stronger school safety and child protection mechanisms. CHR calls on government agencies, local government units, schools, families, and communities to strengthen safeguards, including accessible psychosocial and mental health support and measures to prevent children’s access to firearms. Prevention must look beyond the immediate violence and address the conditions that place children at risk while keeping schools safe spaces for learning, development, and peace.

In the larger view, the involvement of children in serious violence also requires a nuanced approach to juvenile justice and child protection. While the violence and loss of life must be unequivocally condemned, judgment about the child involved should not precede a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities must examine factors that may have contributed to the child’s actions, including access to firearms, family and community support, the school environment, and psychosocial well-being. A rights-based juvenile justice system holds children accountable in ways appropriate to their age and development, while recognising that children involved in violence may themselves require protection and intervention.

The Commission also calls on the media to exercise particular care in reporting the incident. Coverage should avoid sensationalising the violence, publishing graphic images or details that may encourage imitation, and prematurely attributing motives or psychological conditions. Journalists should respect the privacy and grief of the children, families, and school community.

We likewise appeal to the public to refrain from sharing identities, photographs, videos, or other information that may expose the children involved or cause further distress.

As we face another tragedy involving children, CHR stresses that the best interests of the child must remain paramount. Accountability, child protection, and violence prevention need not compete. A rights-based response requires all three. Every school must remain a place where children can learn and grow in safety and dignity.###