A tragic shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato was heavily influenced by the shooter’s exposure to illicit online networks, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Speaking on Saturday, Remulla highlighted the teenager’s online habits as a key factor in the incident. “He was into deep dark web, which influenced him,” Remulla said.
Authorities reviewing the suspect’s mobile device uncovered personal writings that pointed to an ongoing struggle with mental health dating back several months. “According to his phone, he left several notes detailing his depression at tuloy-tuloy ito (this went on). It was discovered in April 2026. Parents tried to handle the situation ngunit nagkulang (but it was not enough),” Remulla said.