Death toll rises to four in school shooting in southern Philippines UPDATED

Four people were killed and nine others wounded in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga on August 18, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said in an update.

The dead included two security guards and two high school students, one of whom was identified as the shooter. Authorities have withheld the identities of those killed, foreign media reports. 

The shooter was identified as a male fourth-year high school student whose father reportedly worked at the Zamboanga City Customs Office. He was armed with a Glock 9-millimeter assault rifle (M16).

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A high school student armed with two firearms shot and killed a fellow student before taking his own life at a school on the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga on August 18, officials said.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso said the suspect appeared to have been wearing a body camera and may have livestreamed the attack. Two other people were injured, while a teacher was also reportedly targeted, although it was unclear whether the teacher was hit, according to The Associated Press. 

Hundreds of students were evacuated from the school following the gunfire. Police later said the situation was under control and urged parents and guardians to remain calm while authorities investigated the incident.

National police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urged the public not to share unverified reports, photos or videos.

By Sabina Mammadli