A devastating shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato claimed the lives of three students on September 18, 2026. The incident has drawn attention not just for its tragedy, but also for the troubling fact that the weapon used belonged to a Department of Education (DepEd) employee.
Details of the Incident
Around 1:15 p.m., a 14-year-old male student opened fire in a classroom, fatally shooting himself and two other students while injuring six more. The gun, a Glock 9mm pistol, was reportedly secured in a vault that the shooter managed to access.
No parent should lose a child due to violence, especially if it happened inside the school campus. The school is a place where our children should be safe.
Reynaldo Tamayo, South Cotabato Governor
Banga Municipal Mayor Albert Palencia has withheld the identities of the individuals involved as the investigation continues. The shooter is reported to have been part of an online gaming group, raising questions about the influences affecting his actions.
Reynaldo Tamayo emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children, urging parents to engage more with their children's activities and social interactions.
In response to the tragedy, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that each injured student will receive financial assistance, while families of the deceased will also be supported.