Overview
- The shooting occurred on Friday at Banga National High School in South Cotabato when a 16‑year‑old student opened fire on classmates and then killed himself.
- Officials say the gun was a 9mm pistol belonging to the suspect’s father, a Department of Education employee, and the teen carried two magazines and reloaded during the attack.
- Local authorities have confirmed three deaths, including the suspected shooter, and eight students injured with four reported in critical condition; victims are aged about 14 to 17.
- The Department of Education suspended classes in Banga and dispatched medical teams and psychological first aid while provincial leaders urged gun owners to secure firearms so minors cannot reach them.
- This is the Philippines’ third deadly school shooting since June and it has renewed pressure for tighter secure‑storage rules, closer scrutiny of online ‘true crime’ groups and expanded school safety and mental‑health supports.