Zamboanga city: Cabinet Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. on Thursday called on the public to stop spreading speculation and misinformation regarding the recent fatal shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

According to Philippines News Agency, Abalos visited the university to convey President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s condolences to the families of the victims and the wider university community. "Nakausap ko kanina si Pangulo. Bilin niya sa akin to really extend his sympathies. Masyadong masakit ang nangyari," he stated, confirming that the President is deeply moved by the tragic events.

Abalos emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference from public conjecture. "Tigilan na muna ang haka-haka at fake news. Hindi ito nakakatulong sa komunidad, lalo na sa mga bata at mga guro. Antayin na lamang natin ang resulta ng imbestigasyon," he urged, highlighting the detrimental effects of rumors on the community, particularly on students and teachers.

The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the death of a student and the suspected gunman, who reportedly took his own life. Abalos, who previously served as the interior and local government secretary, stressed the need for an accurate investigation to lay the groundwork for necessary reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. "Talagang hustisya ang importante rito, at importante ring huwag na itong maulit. Ang tama at masusing imbestigasyon ang magdadala sa atin sa mga repormang kinakailangan," he added.

Furthermore, Abalos called for a reassessment of the measures protecting children from harmful online content, pointing out the lack of parental controls comparable to those used in cinemas. He assured that the government would evaluate current policies and security protocols based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.