Three students, including the suspected gunman, were killed and eight others injured in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, on Friday.
The suspect was a 16-year-old Grade 9 student who allegedly opened fire on fellow students before turning the gun on himself. The two other victims were 14-year-old students, a boy and a girl, according to Banga Mayor Albert Palencia. Four of the eight injured students were reported to be in critical condition.
Gunman Had Warned Friends
Palencia told Reuters that the teenager had spoken to friends during lunchtime and allegedly told them to go home because he planned to carry out an attack after lunch.
His friends reportedly did not take the warning seriously because the teenager was known for joking. After lunch, he allegedly entered a classroom and began firing at students. Palencia said the suspect hit 10 students before killing himself, although the officially reported number of injured was eight.
The mayor said the teenager used a 9mm pistol belonging to his father, who works for the Department of Education. According to Palencia, the suspect accessed the weapon from a secured vault at home and brought it to school. Police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
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Classes Suspended Across Banga
Following the attack, authorities suspended classes at all levels across the municipality of Banga.
The Philippines Department of Education said it was deeply concerned about the incident and was coordinating with authorities to verify details and provide support. The department urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information while the investigation continued.
The Philippines Red Cross also responded to the incident, sending an ambulance and four paramedics to provide emergency assistance.
Authorities Examine Online Links
Investigators are also examining whether the teenager had links to an online “true crime community”. Officials said they were looking into the nature of the online group and whether it had any connection to the shooting. No definitive motive has been established.
Third Deadly School Shooting Since June
The Banga attack is the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June.
In June, at least three students were killed and about 20 others injured after two classmates opened fire at a public high school in Tacloban. In August, a student in Zamboanga City live-streamed himself shooting and killing another student before taking his own life.
Following Friday's shooting, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged gun owners to store firearms responsibly and ensure that minors cannot access them.
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