A ninth-grade student shot and killed a fellow student before taking his own life during a school shooting in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga, authorities said.

The attack took place at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School, where the student entered the campus carrying firearms and opened fire. Officials said the attacker first targeted a teacher but missed before moving to another classroom, where he shot a student and injured two others.

Authorities said the attacker later went to the fifth floor of the school building and died by suicide. The incident caused panic among students, with hundreds evacuated from the campus following the gunfire.

Philippine officials said one of the firearms used in the attack was a government-issued weapon belonging to the student's father, who works as a Bureau of Customs official. Authorities launched an investigation into how the student gained access to the weapon.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators were examining the student's phone, online activities and gaming history to determine the motive behind the attack. Officials said the reason for the shooting has not yet been confirmed.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation, while authorities began reviewing school security measures following the incident.

The shooting came less than two months after another deadly school attack in Tacloban City, increasing concerns over student safety and firearm access in Philippine schools.(ILKHA)