Communities urged to listen to struggling youth after Zamboanga school shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called for greater care and attention to the struggles of young people following the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

In a message of solidarity posted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications on Facebook, Advincula offered prayers for the victims, their families, those injured and traumatized and the entire university community.

“An act of violence within a school community wounds more than those who are physically injured,” Advincula said.

He said such violence also damages the sense of safety and trust that allows young people to learn, grow and pursue their dreams.

The Manila archbishop urged the public to listen more closely to young people, particularly those who may be silently struggling.

“Some silently struggle with loneliness, anxiety, despair, family difficulties, bullying, academic pressures, and other crises that may not always be visible to those around them,” he said.

Advincula said young people should have spaces where they can speak without fear of judgment, seek help without shame and feel that they are valued and loved.

He also called for united action beyond prayer, urging communities to strengthen a culture of care, compassion, dialogue and accompaniment.

“Together, let us strengthen a culture of care, compassion, dialogue, and accompaniment so that violence and hatred may never have the final word,” Advincula said.

The archbishop ended his message by asking for healing and consolation for all those affected by the incident.

“May the Lord, Prince of Peace, bring healing and consolation to all who suffer,” he said, while invoking Mary to accompany the Ateneo de Zamboanga community during the difficult time.

Second fatal school shooting in 2 months

The Zamboanga shooting was the country's second fatal school shooting in less than two months.

Three days earlier, a 14-year-old student shot and killed another junior high school student at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City before fatally shooting himself. Two others were wounded.

The incident was livestreamed through the shooter's Facebook account and another website, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

In June, three students were killed and at least 20 others were wounded in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.

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