Jeneven Bantiala, security guard killed in Ateneo shooting, hailed as a hero by netizens
Three people were killed following a shooting incident inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus Sunday afternoon (July 24), including former Mayor Rose Furigay of Lamitan, Basilan.
Furigay was attending the graduation rites of her daughter when she was apparently assassinated by the suspect who has been identified as Chao Tiao-Yumol, a medical doctor and social media personality.
Her executive assistant Victor Capistrano as well as security guard Jeneven Bandiala were also killed. The former mayor’s daughter, Hannait Furigay, was injured but has since been declared to be in stable condition.
The media’s attention has been understandably focused on Furigay since she was a public figure. Nevertheless, netizens especially those who are members of the Ateneo community used their social media platforms to express their support for Bandiala. Some were even asking for ways to send financial assistance to his family.
Being a security guard is a challenging job under any circumstances. They have the Herculean task of ensuring the safety of everyone inside the establishments where they are assigned. During this pandemic, they now have the added responsibility of monitoring people’s compliance to minimum public health standards like wearing face masks.
Sometimes, they even get disrespected by ill-mannered people when they strictly implement the rules and regulations in their work place. May the death of Jeneven Bandiala remind all of us of the fact that every day, security guards continue to put their lives at risk in the performance of their duty despite the low pay. Justice must be served.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jeneven Bandiala, an Ateneo security guard killed in the line of duty today.
— Joseph Johnson (@PdS2QC) July 24, 2022