Deadly Philippines school attack raises campus security questions

Two students, including the suspected attacker, died in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University's Junior High School campus in the southern Philippines on Tuesday.

The Zamboanga City campus was cordoned off as crime scene investigators and emergency crews arrived at the school.

Preliminary police reports said a Grade 9 student entered the school carrying a pistol and a rifle before opening fire, killing a Grade 10 student and later taking his own life. Authorities said the attack was livestreamed using a body-worn camera.

Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Beng Climaco called for stronger safeguards to protect students and staff.

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"We are willing to be able to legislate what is needed to be done," she said. "This incident is something that is really very saddening to all of us."

"We also pray that no such incident will ever happen again."

Senator Robin Padilla also called for changes to policies governing young people, pointing to concerns over social media use.

"Our bill regarding youth, the age limit should probably be adjusted a bit because we can see that young people are doing this. They are somewhat hooked on social media. So we have that bill that we want to be supported by our countrymen so that it passes," he said.

Classes were suspended and students evacuated as police investigated how the weapons were brought onto the campus and what led to the attack.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also ordered a full investigation and measures to strengthen school safety.