THE Ateneo Law Student Council has strongly deplored the fatal shooting incident last Sunday that resulted in the deaths of three persons, including the erstwhile mayor of Lamitan City, Basilan.

“This brazen act of violence has tarnished a supposedly joyous occasion for the members of the Ateneo Law School Class of 2022 and their loved ones. The Ateneo Law Student Council vehemently condemns this reckless and illegal act that has led to the death of people. No form of violence should be tolerated, especially if it causes the loss of innocent lives,” the student council said.

In a statement, the council has vowed to extend assistance to any member of the Ateneo law community who may have been traumatized by the incident.

“We reaffirm that the Ateneo remains a safe space and observes zero tolerance for violence. Should any member of the Law School community need assistance in dealing with trauma from the incident, the Ateneo Law Student Council is ready to provide assistance.”

“We also appeal to the public to be careful in spreading unconfirmed information and rumors surrounding this incident,” it said.

Three persons died, including the former mayor of Lamitan, Basilan, during a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on Sunday afternoon.

The incident transpired at 2:55 p.m. at the Jesuit-run university’s Areté building, where the College of Law School’s graduation rites was scheduled.

Police identified the slain former mayor as Rosita Furigay. She was dead upon arrival at the World City Medical Center.

On the other hand, the other fatalities were identified as Victor George Capistrano, the executive assistant of Furigay, and Jeneven Bandiola.

Hanna, daughter of Furigay, is at the QMMC emergency room undergoing treatment.

The suspect, now in police custody, was identified as Chao Tiao Yumul.

In a separate statement, the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila has called on authorities to conduct a swift and transparent investigation.

In a statement, the group described the attack as a “reflection of the culture of impunity that our country is suffering from.”

“We vehemently condemn this grave incident and violence in all forms. There is no space for such a gruesome act in our schools. We raise the call for justice and a complete and transparent investigation to take place.”

At the same time, the group lambasted the insensitive social media posts regarding the incident.

“We are anguished by the downright heartless comments on social media of those who wish to make light of this tragedy, especially with the lives that were lost.”

“We also ask the Ateneo community to remain vigilant and refrain from posting unverified information. Rest assured that the Sanggunian will be coordinating with the relevant authorities in our University in order to provide assistance to the family of our security guard, and to chart further steps moving forward,” it said in a statement.