Three people are dead and eight others injured after a 16-year-old student opened fire at a high school in southern Philippines before taking his own life.
The two students killed were both 14 years old, according to Banga Mayor Albert Palencia. Four of the eight injured victims are reportedly in critical condition. The shooting occurred on Friday afternoon at Banga National High School in the southern province of Mindanao.
Palencia told Reuters that the teenager had warned friends during a lunchtime conversation that he planned to carry out the attack after lunch. His friends reportedly dismissed the warning because he was known for joking. After lunch, the student began shooting at other pupils, hitting 10 people before killing himself, Palencia said.
The Philippine Department of Education said it was coordinating with authorities to verify details of the incident and provide support to those affected.
“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers and school personnel,” the department said.
It also urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information while investigations continue.
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The Philippines Red Cross said it received an alert about the shooting at 2pm local time and sent an ambulance and four paramedics to assist victims. Classes have been suspended at all levels across Banga following the attack.
Police have begun investigating, while South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged adults to ensure firearms are kept away from minors. The incident is the third deadly school shooting reported in the Philippines since June. A troubling pattern is emerging.
