Ateneo Sanggunian condemns shooting, calls for sensitivity and empathy

The student government of Ateneo de Manila University has condemned the shooting incident on campus that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, saying that such a gruesome act has no space in schools.

The victims — identified as former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, Furigay's aide Victor Capistrano, and university security guard Jeneven Bandiala — were shot in front of the Areté building, where the law school's graduation was scheduled to take place.

Furigay's daughter Hannah, who was supposed to graduate that day, was wounded in the attack.

The Quezon City Police District said the suspect, Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol, is under its custody.

“The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila vehemently condemns this grave incident and violence in all forms. There is no space for such a gruesome act in our schools,” it said in a Facebook post Sunday.

“We raise the call for justice and for a complete and transparent investigation to take place,” it added.

For the Sanggunian, the attack is a reflection of the “culture of impunity that the country is suffering from.”

“The Sanggunian grieves with the bereaved families and the University community at large, notably at the loss of one of our own kuyas in the line of duty. This incident is an attack to our community and a reflection of the culture of impunity that our country is suffering from,” it said.

Further, the student government called for sensitivity and empathy as it lamented “downright heartless comments” on social media.  

“In these dark days, we pray for the safety of everyone and call for sensitivity and empathy as we mourn with the whole community. 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,” it said.

The Sanggunian also urged the community to remain vigilant and refrain from posting unverified information. — RSJ, GMA News