Three Students Killed in Shooting at Philippine High School

BANGA, Philippines (AP) — Three students were killed and eight others wounded in a shooting at Banga National High School on Thursday afternoon, prompting an emergency lockdown and a massive police response in the southern province of South Cotabato. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time as students were leaving classes for the day. Among the victims was a 16-year-old Grade 9 student at the school. Authorities have not yet identified the shooter or released details regarding the motive behind the attack.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the gunfire erupted, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Local officials confirmed that three students died at the scene or shortly after arrival at medical facilities, while eight others were treated for gunshot wounds. The condition of the wounded has not been fully disclosed by hospital administrators. Police cordoned off the school grounds, preventing parents and media from entering as investigators began securing the area to collect evidence.

Banga National High School is located in the town of Banga, a municipality in South Cotabato province on the island of Mindanao. The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, which has historically faced security challenges related to armed conflict and criminal activity. However, school administrators stated that no prior threats had been reported against the institution. Classes have been suspended indefinitely as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence.

Regional police commanders described the incident as an active shooter situation but declined to comment on whether the suspect was still at large or had been apprehended. No official statement has been made regarding the identity of the gunman or any potential connection to local criminal groups or separatist movements. Families of the victims gathered outside the school perimeter, where community leaders and government officials attempted to provide support and information.

The Philippine Department of Education expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. A national mourning period has not yet been declared, but local officials have called for prayers and solidarity. The investigation remains in its early stages, with forensic teams examining ballistics evidence and interviewing witnesses on campus.

As night fell over Banga, the school remained under strict security control. Questions regarding the shooter's identity, the number of weapons used, and the specific sequence of events remain unanswered. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while they work to establish a clear timeline of the attack. The community awaits further updates as the inquiry continues into one of the deadliest school shootings in recent Philippine history.