A shooting took place inside Banga National High School in Cotabato del Sur, Philippines, resulting in 2 deaths and 7 injuries, with one of the deceased being the shooter. This is the third violent incident in Philippine schools within a few months, prompting authorities to immediately suspend classes.
A shooting occurred inside Banga National High School in the town of Banga, Cotabato del Sur province, on Mindanao Island, Philippines, on the afternoon of Friday, 18 September, causing 2 deaths and 7 injuries, according to GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.
The Cotabato del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported initial information that the incident happened at 13:18 today (18 Sept.), with one of the deceased identified as the perpetrator.
Rolly Aquino, a local disaster management official, told AFP news agency that rescue teams received reports of gunfire inside the school around 13:30. The two deceased are preliminarily believed to be students, and at least seven injured have been hospitalized. Authorities are still gathering information and it remains unclear how many shooters were involved.
Reynaldo Tamayo, governor of Cotabato del Sur, stated that the situation is now under control and confirmed that authorities are investigating the incident.
A video posted on Facebook and verified by AFP shows a man carrying an injured child out of the school and onto a waiting motorcycle. Another clip captures a teacher speaking a local language, stating there were two shooters, while a student said the perpetrators were outsiders to the school. These details are still under official investigation.
Following the incident, the Banga municipal disaster management office announced the immediate suspension of all classes in the area to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Philippine Department of Education expressed serious concern over the school shooting, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of students, teachers, and school personnel is of utmost priority. The department is closely coordinating with district offices, regional offices, local agencies, and law enforcement to verify facts and provide necessary assistance to those affected.
Additionally, the Department of Education plans to provide psychological support and mental health services to those impacted, urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The Regional Department of Education Office 12 also called on the public to stop sharing videos of the Banga incident out of respect for the deceased, injured, and their families, noting that such circulation may cause psychological harm and violate the privacy of those affected.
Banga National High School is located in Benitez district, Banga town, and offers both junior and senior high school education.
This shooting is another violent school incident in the Philippines, following an event on 22 June where two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte province, killing at least three classmates and injuring about 20 others.
Then, on 18 August, a shooting occurred inside a junior high school building at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where a student with two handguns shot and killed a fellow student.
The Banga school shooting took place in the same month that the Philippines conducted nationwide active shooter drills to enhance security measures, following multiple school shootings in recent months.