Over 50 arrested for alleged plans to carry out school shootings in South Cotabato — DILG

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla says on Thursday (October 8, 2026) that authorities arrested more than 50 individuals allegedly linked to plans to carry out school shootings in South Cotabato following last month’s deadly school shooting in Banga town.

On the sidelines of the 1st Metro Manila School Safety and Security Summit 2026 in Quezon City, Remulla said the suspects were considered active threats, with some allegedly found in possession of firearms.

He added that authorities were able to thwart 53 planned school shootings in the province during the same week as the mass shooting, stressing the need to make school and youth safety a top priority.

-Philippine News Agency