Filipinos mourn hero guard Jeneven Bandiala who died from Ateneo shooting: 'Ang kawalan ng isa ay kawalan ng buong Ateneo'
Condolences are pouring in for the security guard who was one of the three individuals shot and killed during the Ateneo shooting on July 24.
The security guard named Jeneven Bandiala was among the casualties alongside former Lamitan Mayor Rose Furigay and close aide Victor Capistrano.
The three were brutally shot by Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, who open-fired at guests and security personnel at the Loyola Heights campus of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) during the graduation ceremony of Ateneo Law School. Yumol is currently under police custody.
Amid the shock, netizens have been sending in their condolences for Bandiala, who died in the line of fire.
"Hindi lang siya isang security guard sa Ateneo. Tao siya... may pangalan siya. He deserves to be named and recognized," one netizen named Jhei Shiee shared on Facebook alongside a photo of Bandiala.
"He did beyond what he was supposed to do."
The post has since garnered over 80,000 reactions and thousands of comments praising the deceased security guard.
Meanwhile, members of the Ateneo community have also sent their well-wishes to Bandiala.
Isang paalala. Mabubuting tao ang mga security guards ng Ateneo. Ang kawalan ng isa ay kawalan ng buong Ateneo. Mariing pagkundena sa karahasang ito," shared author and ADMU associate dean Jaye Cornelio on Twitter.
Isang paalala. Mabubuting tao ang mga security guards ng Ateneo. Ang kawalan ng isa ay kawalan ng buong Ateneo. Mariing pagkundena sa karahasang ito.
— Jayeel Cornelio (@jayeel_cornelio) July 24, 2022
Under his Tweet, students have been sharing their personal experiences with the long-time security guard.
"[Siya] pa ata yun kausap ko last pasasalamat kasi nagpapatabi ako ng gamit," another shared, while another recalled: "Same. Tinulungan niya kami ni S noong huli kaming nandoon, kaya tinandaan ko talaga pangalan niya. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala."
"He might be one of the security guards that greeted me when I went to Ateneo to attend a graduation," one replied.
Others also made mention how Ateneo security guards have treated guests well in the past: "This is so true. These guards go beyond what is expected of them. Yung concern nila sa mga bata ibang klase."
Other netizens have also commended Bandiala's final act and the overall role of security guards in the country.
"Hearing a gunshot, he chose not to run from it, but towards it. What he did was heroic. And as someone with loved ones in Ateneo, I am indebted to him," said writer Gian Lao.
"I hope we can have a real conversation about what it means to be a security guard in the Philippines—about what we ask of them, and what they get in return."
Jeneven's brother, Raymond Bandiala, spoke to reporters on the day after his death to seek justice: "Kuya, salamat sa lahat. Sa payo, pag-aalalga, hindi kita makakalimutan."
Jeneven's wife, Cristina Mijares, shared a message for her husband.
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Mijares for word on a possible donation drive for the bereaved family.
In light of his death, the Ateneo Law School Class of 2022 has begun accepting donations and cash assistance for Bandiala's family. You may send via GCash, BPI, and BDO. They have since garnered over P500,000, per Ateneo Law student Shik Castillo.
Ateneo has also shared a donation drive for the bereaved loves one of the security guard, including a QR code wherein interested individuals can send in financial assistance.
In a statement, Ateneo said that their campus security protocols are being "reviewed and strengthened further" amid the incident, while the University's Areté complex will be closed until further notice.