A deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, southern Philippines, has left at least six students dead and 17 others injured, according to an updated report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The incident has triggered renewed concerns over school safety and access to firearms in the country.
The shooting occurred on Friday, September 18, at Banga National High School in Banga town, located in South Cotabato province on the southern island of Mindanao. Authorities initially reported fewer casualties, but the number increased as officials continued assessing the situation and receiving information from the ground.
Shooting Sparks Panic at Banga National High School
The incident prompted an immediate emergency response at the Philippines school, with local authorities and emergency personnel rushing to assist victims. Classes at all levels across Banga were suspended following the shooting as officials worked to secure the area and investigate what happened.
The Philippine Department of Education said it was deeply concerned about the reported shooting and was coordinating with its local and regional offices, law enforcement agencies and other authorities.
The department said its immediate priority was the safety and well-being of students, teachers and other school personnel. It also indicated that psychological first aid and mental-health support would be made available to people affected by the incident.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Suspected Gunman Among Those Killed
Earlier reports from local officials said the suspected shooter was a 16-year-old student who died after turning the firearm on himself. Media reported that all victims identified at that stage were students between 14 and 17 years old, with several injured victims reported to be in critical condition.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the suspected shooter had allegedly spoken to friends before the attack and indicated that he intended to carry out a plan after lunch. According to the mayor, the warning was not initially taken seriously because the student was known among peers for joking.
Authorities have not yet established a definitive motive. Some preliminary accounts referred to the student’s poor academic performance and emotional distress, but investigators will need to establish the circumstances independently.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo called on firearm owners to ensure that weapons are stored securely and cannot be accessed by minors.
Third Deadly School Shooting Since June
The South Cotabato attack comes after two other deadly shootings at Philippine schools since June.
In June, a shooting at a public high school in Tacloban resulted in the deaths of at least three students and injuries to several others. Two students were subsequently arrested in connection with that incident.
Another deadly school shooting occurred in Zamboanga City in August. In that case, a student reportedly livestreamed an attack inside a classroom before taking his own life.
The succession of incidents has brought greater attention to school security, student welfare and firearm access, despite the Philippines having regulations governing civilian gun ownership.
Firearm Access Under Fresh Scrutiny
The Philippines requires gun owners to meet regulatory requirements that include background checks and psychological evaluation. However, officials and security experts have continued to raise concerns about the circulation of unlicensed firearms.
The latest incident has renewed calls for greater responsibility in firearm storage, particularly in households where minors may potentially gain access to weapons.
Governor Tamayo said authorities cannot rely solely on security personnel to monitor large school populations and stressed the importance of cooperation among families, communities and institutions.
Investigation and Support Continue
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Banga National High School shooting, including how the firearm was obtained and what led to the attack.
Philippines Social workers have been deployed to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to affected students and families. Education authorities are also coordinating with local officials to assess the needs of the school community.
The latest shooting has left communities in South Cotabato mourning while authorities face growing pressure to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that schools remain safe environments for students and teachers.
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to establish the complete sequence of events, confirm the final casualty figures and determine whether additional measures are required to prevent similar incidents in Philippine schools.
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