Layout by: Kyla Dacanay
Published by: Kyla Shane Recullo
Date Published: October 1, 2026
A student shot fellow learners inside a classroom at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Friday, September 18, leaving three dead and eight injured.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed the casualties in its updated report at 5 p.m., after initially reporting six deaths and 17 injuries before revising the figures.
Authorities identified the shooter as a Grade 9 student who also died in the incident. Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the student allegedly obtained the firearm from his father, a Department of Education (DepEd) Region 12 employee. Authorities investigated how the student accessed the firearm and brought it into the school.
The Banga Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office suspended classes at all levels in the municipality following the incident. DepEd coordinated with local authorities and law enforcement to determine the circumstances and assist affected learners and families.
The DSWD deployed social workers to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to affected students and families. The agency also provided financial assistance to families of the victims.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged parents to recognize warning signs among children and seek proper mental health care. He also called on parents to monitor children's online activities as authorities examined the shooter's digital activity.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) urged parents to monitor children's use of gaming applications, messaging features, online communities, and private chats. Authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident prompted authorities to examine concerns involving student safety, mental health support, firearm access, and school security.
REFERENCES:
Echegoyen, C. K. (2026, September 19). ‘Depression is real’: Remulla urges proper mental health care for children after 3rd school shooting. ABS-CBN News. https://share.google/l9Ntprta0ksF7eJBz
Madrazo, D. (2026, September 19). Father of Banga school shooting suspect is DepEd employee, owner of gun used. Philippine News Agency. https://share.google/UTddqigD4A1GEFp4Q
Mangaluz, J. (2026, September 18). 3 students killed, 8 injured in South Cotabato school shooting, says DSWD. GMA News Online. https://share.google/de3CytazWC6WkPrdW
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