Three dead, eight injured in South Cotabato high school shooting

A shooting at a high school in South Cotabato on Friday left three people dead—including the suspected 16-year-old gunman—and eight others injured, local officials confirmed.

The tragedy unfolded on Friday morning at Banga National High School in South Cotabato province. According to Banga town mayor Albert Palencia, all of the casualties and injured victims were students between the ages of 14 and 17.

Four of the eight wounded students remain in critical condition as local hospitals deliver emergency care.

Earlier reports from local police and provincial officials indicated a fluid situation as initial emergency responders arrived on the scene.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo and Police Chief Master Sgt. Reggie Faderon confirmed that law enforcement immediately secured the campus while medical units treated the victims.

Government response

Department of Education (DepEd): The agency stated it is coordinating closely with municipal authorities and police to verify every detail of the incident. DepEd's immediate focus remains on student and staff safety, announcing the deployment of specialist teams to provide psychological first aid and trauma support across the school community.

Local Law Enforcement: Police continue an active investigation into the motives behind the attack and how the teenage suspect acquired the firearm. Officials urge the public to refrain from circulating unverified rumors or graphic media online while inquiries are underway.

-Paraluman News and Reuters