- At least three people, including a 16-year-old suspected gunman, have been killed and several injured in the latest deadly shooting at a school in the Philippines.
- The shooting occurred on Friday afternoon at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, southern Philippines.
- Two students were killed and eight others injured, with four in critical condition, according to a disaster agency worker.
- The suspected gunman, a 16-year-old student, reportedly shot himself after the attack and later died, as confirmed by South Cotabato provincial governor Reynaldo Tamayo.
- Classes were suspended in all levels in the entire municipality of Banga due to the shooting, as stated by the Banga disaster management authorities.
- This incident marks the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June, following nationwide shooter drills aimed at strengthening school security.
- A teacher was heard in a video circulating across social media saying that there were two shooters, while a student mentioned that they were outsiders to the school.
- Reynaldo Tamayo, the South Cotabato governor, urged adult gun owners to be responsible in storing firearms and ensuring that minors do not get access to them.
- The Department of Education expressed deep concern over the reported shooting incident and emphasized the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel.
At least three people, including two students aged 14, were killed in a shooting at Banga National High School on Friday afternoon. The suspected gunman, a 16-year-old, reportedly shot himself after injuring eight others, four of whom are in critical condition.123456
The incident, the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June, has raised alarms about school safety. Banga mayor Albert Palencia revealed that the shooter had warned friends during lunch, saying he would be "executing [his] plan" after the meal, which they dismissed as a joke.89
In response to the tragedy, South Cotabato governor Reynaldo Tamayo emphasized the need for responsible firearm storage to prevent minors from accessing guns. He stated, "We cannot expect a handful of security personnel to monitor thousands of students. We need to work together because otherwise this will be very difficult for us to address."12
Classes have been suspended across Banga, and the Department of Education expressed deep concern, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. The Philippines Red Cross responded promptly, dispatching paramedics to assist the injured.1314
As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
“The gunman, a 16-year-old student, had warned friends before lunch that he would execute his plan, but they laughed it off as a joke. Four of the eight injured are in critical condition, and classes have been suspended across the municipality.”
BBC
