Numancia, Aklan—The Numancia Integrated School (NIS) suspended classes and all activities on Wednesday after a shooting incident inside the campus was reported on Tuesday morning.
NIS head teacher Jolly Cabangon said they were about to end their Teachers’ Day celebration when they heard a gun fire.
A nearby police station immediately responded and rescued a 19-year-old Alternative Learning System student. He was reportedly hit but survived the gunshot. The victim is now recuperating at the Dr Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital.
Authorities are investigating a 16-year-old student as the primary suspect. He was questioned how he obtained the firearm.
Numancia Mayor Jessreel Templonuevo told the Manila Standard that he already met with police officers on Wednesday to seek updates regarding the incident.
“I told the police investigators to ensure the resolution of the crime. It is an isolated case,” Templonuevo said.
On Facebook, the NIS Alumni Association (NISAA) expressed its “shock” and “sadness” over the reported shooting incident.
“We are currently evaluating campus operations and will update faculty, staff, and students accordingly after a further assessment is made,” NISAA said in a statement signed by their president Ismael Vega Tarantan, Jr.
School shootings are rare in the Philippines.