The week in photos: August 15-21, 2026

On August 18, 2026, a tragic incident occurred at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Tumaga campus in Zamboanga City, Philippines, where two students lost their lives in a shooting. According to local authorities, the perpetrator, identified as a minor, entered Room 404 and fatally shot another student, who was a 10th grader and also a minor. After the act, the suspect fled to the third floor, shouted, and subsequently took his own life. The incident has sparked a wave of concern among educators and community leaders, prompting calls for increased security measures within educational institutions. The following day, August 19, the legal proceedings against Meta continued in a landmark case involving 29 U.S. states. These states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, have alleged that Meta designed its platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, to manipulate young users, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The states claim that Meta violated federal laws by improperly gathering and utilizing children's personal data. During the ongoing trial, Meta denied allegations that it deliberately engineered its services to foster addiction among minors, emphasizing its commitment to user safety and ethical practices. Also on August 17, a pivotal moment unfolded in the impeachment trial of former Vice President Sara Duterte. Gina Acosta, a former special disbursing officer under Duterte's office, testified as the first hostile witness. She confirmed that instructions to transfer P125 million in confidential funds to her security officer originated directly from Duterte. This testimony, though not new, adds significant weight to the ongoing investigation into potential misuse of public funds. In Japan, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako participated in a memorial service commemorating the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The event took place at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, highlighting the nation's ongoing reflection on historical events and its commitment to peace and reconciliation. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Serena and Venus Williams celebrated their participation in the Cincinnati Open, where they shook hands with competitors Peyton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk following their doubles match. The event took place at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, drawing attention to the competitive spirit and camaraderie prevalent in professional tennis. In Los Angeles, fans gathered for the 25th Anniversary Celebration Screening of The Fast and the Furious, attended by cast members Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, and Michelle Rodriguez. The event marked a milestone in the franchise's history, showcasing the enduring popularity of the action series. During the same period, commuters in Manila faced challenges due to heavy monsoon rains, wading through floodwaters on Taft Avenue corner Pedro Gil. The situation underscored the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather conditions, prompting discussions on infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. In Indonesia, a child observed the aftermath of an earthquake near Ruteng, Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara province. The destruction highlighted the impact of natural disasters on communities, emphasizing the need for disaster response strategies and support systems for affected populations. In Oakland, California, concerned parents and residents held a press conference as part of a broader demonstration against Meta. They expressed solidarity with families whose children had reportedly suffered adverse effects from social media use, underscoring the growing public scrutiny of tech companies' influence on youth well-being. At Ateneo de Zamboanga University, concerned individuals gathered outside the campus following the shooting, reflecting on the broader implications of violence in educational settings. The university has since announced plans to enhance campus security protocols and provide psychological support to students and staff. In London, the War Child x Secret 7″ exhibition showcased vinyl sleeve artworks aimed at raising awareness and funds for children impacted by conflict. The event, held at 180 Studios, combined artistic expression with humanitarian efforts, drawing attention to the global issue of child welfare in war-torn regions.