University Statement on the Incident at Areté, 24 July 2022

Ateneo de Manila University strongly condemns the shooting incident at Areté, Loyola Heights campus on Sunday afternoon, 24 July 2022.

Three people were killed, while two others have been injured, including the suspect. Thankfully, the suspect was apprehended by the police shortly after, and is now in the custody of the Quezon City Police District.

Ateneo de Manila University extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. There is no acceptable reason for violence. We hope and pray that justice will be swiftly served.

The incident occurred around an hour before the start of the 2022 commencement exercises of the Ateneo de Manila School of Law at Areté, which was subsequently canceled. It has robbed the members of the Law School class of 2022 of what was supposed to be a joyous celebration. The University and the Law School administration are assisting students, staff, and guests who are dealing with trauma from the incident.

The Loyola Heights campus was immediately secured. The University assures the community that its campuses are safe, and security protocols are now being reviewed and strengthened further.

Ateneo is thankful for the swift response and assistance of law enforcement and local government personnel. Ateneo will continue cooperating with the authorities in the investigation of this incident.

We appeal to the public to be careful in spreading unconfirmed information and rumors surrounding this incident.

Finally, let us all offer our prayers, especially for the victims and their families.

May God bless us all.