Three dead in another school shooting, this time in South Cotabato

Cover image: Banga MDRRMO

BANGA, South Cotabato — Three students were killed and at least six others were injured following a shooting at Banga National High School on Friday, 18 September 2026.

The incident occurred around 1:30 pm inside the campus premises. Local officials confirmed that the casualties include the 16-year-old Grade 9 suspect, who turned the gun on himself after opening fire on students in a neighbouring classroom.

Details of the Attack

Banga Mayor Albert Palencia stated that before the assault, the suspect reportedly sat next to his classmates and warned them to go home, telling them he planned to carry out an attack after lunch. His peers initially dismissed the remark as a joke. Shortly after lunch, the teenager entered an adjacent classroom and opened fire.

Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol used during the shooting. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and local police confirmed that the weapon belonged to the suspect’s father—a government employee—who had stored the firearm inside a home vault. The student reportedly broke into the vault, secured the gun along with two magazines, and brought them to school.

Casualties and Response

• Fatalities: 3 students (aged 14 to 17), including the shooter.

• Injuries: 6 to 8 students sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical care, with several transferred to regional facilities in Koronadal City.

Emergency responders transported the wounded to Dantom Doctors Hospital and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital.

Ongoing Investigation

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. urged gun owners across the province to enforce strict storage measures to keep firearms out of the reach of minors.

Police cybercrime investigators are currently looking into the shooter's online activity, specifically examining his participation in an online "true crime" group to determine if external influences contributed to the event.

The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed the incident and deployed local teams to provide psychological first aid and mental health support to students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. Regional authorities have requested the public to refrain from circulating videos of the scene on social media out of respect for the victims.