A peaceful Friday turned into a scene of horror in South Cotabato after a shooting erupted inside Banga National High School, leaving three people dead and six others injured.
According to a statement from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the incident took place around 1:00 p.m. in Barangay Benitez, “resulting in three confirmed deaths and several individuals wounded.”
Law enforcement officials immediately cordoned off the campus while coordinating with school staff and emergency medical crews, emphasizing that officers responded “with the safety of students and school personnel as the priority.”
While the PNP held off on releasing specific details regarding the victims or the motive while the investigation is underway, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo provided initial information regarding the casualties.
Governor Tamayo confirmed that the three fatalities included two 14-year-olds and the shooter himself.
“Dalawang lalaki at isang babae na ang reported na namatay, at kasama na po dito yung gunman,” Tamayo stated, confirming that two males and one female died in the tragedy.
The governor added that six injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, alongside another person who lost consciousness during the chaotic event.
Police authorities continue to secure the area as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the attack. “The PNP is still verifying the circumstances of the incident and the identities and conditions of those involved. Further details will be released once confirmed,” the PNP noted.