Ateneo's Statement on shooting incident that killed Basilan Ex-Mayor

After the shooting incident, Ateneo’s statement released

Ateneo’s Statement – Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) released an official statement on the shooting incident on July 24, 2022, Sunday, that killed Rosita Furigay, former Mayor of Lamitan, Basilan.

The shooting incident happened at the Areté complex inside the campus in Quezon City while the graduation ceremony was being held. Based on the report from Inquirer, Furigay’s executive assistant, Victor George Capistrano, and Jeneven Bandiola, 35 years old, a security guard on the campus, also died.

Brig. Gen. Roderick August Alba, chief of the Public Information Office of the Philippine National Police said that the suspect was identified as Chao Tiao Yumol, a 38-year-old general practice physician who is now in custody at the Quezon City Police Department headquarters. Alba also said that they are currently investigating the incident.

On the night of July 24, Ateneo’s statement was released. It was stated that two other individuals were injured and that the university’s administration condemns this dreadful act. Ateneo also extends condolences to the families of the killed individuals. “We hope and pray that the justice will be swiftly served,” the statement said.

In the statement, the university also narrated what happened during the graduation ceremony. It was said that the incident happened an hour before the 2022 commencement exercises of the Ateneo de Manila School of Law started. Ateneo assured that the institution is assisting the students, staff, and guests in dealing with the trauma brought by this unexpected incident.

It also stated that the campus has been secured and that it is safe as security protocols have been reviewed and strengthened. The institution also expressed gratitude to the authorities for their immediate response to the shooting incident.

Ateneo also asked the public to refrain from spreading “unconfirmed information and rumors surrounding the incident.”