ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING INCIDENT: 3 STUDENTS DEAD, 6 WOUNDED IN SOUTH COTABATO

ANOTHER shooting incident, this time in a school in Banga, South Cotabato, on Firday (Sept. 18, 2026), left three students dead, including the gunman, and six others injured.

The fatalities were two males and a female student.

The gun attack occurred in one of the classrooms of Banga National High School in Bgy. Benitez around 1:15 p.m. Friday.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said according to police, the gunman was a Grade 9 student.

The student-suspect allegedly shot himself in the head after firing at his classmates.

Police said the student-shooter used the 9mm Glock pistol owned by his father, who is a member of a local gun club.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the incident.

“It pains me to see this happening in one of our schools,” Tamayo said.

One of the classmates of the gunman reportedly told probers that the suspect was a member of an Internet community that engages in online games using firearms.

School authorities suspended classes until further notice.

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed deep concern over the shooting incident at Banga National High School.

According to DepEd, it is currently coordinating with its Schools Division Office and Regional Office, local authorities, and law enforcement to verify the circumstances and provide necessary assistance.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” DepEd said.

The Department said it is ready to give psychological first aid and mental health and psycho-social support to those affected. 

It urged the public to stay calm and stop sharing unverified information while authorities are conducting an investigation.

The September 18 incident in Banga National High School  follows other deadly school shootings this year following the gun attacks at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City in June and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in August.