Two Dead, Two Injured In Shooting At Philippines University Graduation Ceremony, Suspect In Custody

Two individuals were killed and at least two others were injured in a shooting during a university graduation ceremony in Manila on Sunday, according to Philippine authorities, news agency Reuters reported.

Remus Medina, the Quezon City police chief, told CNN Philippines that the suspect is already in police custody and being questioned.

“What we can confirm is that two are confirmed dead — the guard is an unidentified man who was there at the Ateneo, then there are two wounded, we are getting their identities, plus the one who was rushed to the hospital, we don’t know yet if what is his status,” Medina said in a CNN Philippines interview, INQUIRER.net reported.

The suspect is now in custody, according to Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office.

“Suspect is already under custody,” Alba told reporters.

“We are still getting more facts. Investigation is still ongoing,” he added.

Taking to Twitter, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said, “Shooting incident at C5 Katipunan ave. Ateneo gate 3 NB as of 2:55 PM. PNP on site.”

MMDA ALERT: Shooting incident at C5 Katipunan ave. Ateneo gate 3 NB as of 2:55 PM. PNP on site. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) July 24, 2022

Ateneo de Manila University on its official Twitter handle announced that the Ateneo Law School graduation ceremonies have been cancelled.

Announcement

Due to the incident at Areté, the 2022 Commencement Exercises of the Ateneo Law School scheduled for today, 24 July 2022, has been cancelled.

Ateneo is continuing to work with the police and other authorities to deal with the incident.

— Ateneo de Manila University (@ateneodemanilau) July 24, 2022

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo was scheduled to give a speech at the Ateneo Law School graduation ceremony on Sunday, according to Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka, INQUIRER.net reported.

Speaking to reporters, Hosaka said, “He was still in transit when the shooting happened and was advised to turn back. The Chief Justice is safe.”

(With Inputs From Agencies)