President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to guarantee the immediate release of comprehensive government assistance to victims and families affected by the fatal September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Recto confirmed via social media that the administration is extending financial and medical aid to injured individuals and the bereaved families of the fatalities. He directed the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration to process and disburse the funds in compliance with standard regulations, expecting an initial progress report by Monday, with follow-ups every five days until distribution concludes.
The executive directive reinforces ongoing support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which has already delivered cash, medical, burial, and psychosocial support to directly affected individuals, along with psychological first aid for teachers and students across the campus community.
According to DSWD figures, 10 individuals were directly impacted by the tragedy, receiving a combined P150,000 in emergency funding through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. An additional 1,459 individuals received psychological first aid.
The incident occurred on September 18 at Banga National High School in Barangay Benitez, Banga, South Cotabato, when a Grade 9 student discharged a 9mm Taurus pistol, resulting in three deaths, including the shooter, and injuring seven others.