A shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato province, southern Philippines, on Friday, September 18, 2026, left three students dead and eight others injured, according to local officials. The suspected gunman, a 16-year-old student, was also among those killed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and what led to the violence.
Shooting at Banga National High School Leaves Students Dead
The incident took place at Banga National High School in the town of Banga on the southern island of Mindanao. Local authorities received reports of gunfire on the school campus during the afternoon.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the victims were students between the ages of 14 and 17. The suspected shooter reportedly opened fire on students before taking his own life.
Eight other students were injured in the attack, with four reported to be in critical condition. Emergency responders transported the injured to hospitals for treatment.
The Philippine National Police confirmed that multiple people had been killed and wounded. Investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events.
Authorities Investigate Suspected Gunman and Motive
Officials are examining the circumstances behind the shooting, including reports about the suspected gunman’s activities and possible motives.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said the teenager’s friends had reportedly been warned about his plan before the attack. The warning was not taken seriously at the time, according to the mayor.
Authorities are also looking into claims that the suspect participated in an online community focused on true crime. Officials said the allegation would be investigated as part of the wider inquiry.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not established a final motive for the shooting.
Growing Concerns Over School Safety in the Philippines
The shooting has raised further concerns about safety in Philippine schools. The country has experienced other deadly school shooting incidents in recent months, including attacks in Tacloban and Zamboanga.
The latest incident has renewed attention on firearm access, student safety and the need for preventive measures in educational institutions.
Local officials are expected to continue assessing the circumstances of the attack while medical teams care for the injured students. Further details may emerge as police complete their investigation.
