School Shooting in Philippines Leaves at Least Six Dead
A 16-year-old gunman opened fire at a school in the southern Philippines on Friday, killing at least six people, including himself, and injuring at least 17 others.
A shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, on Friday resulted in at least six fatalities and 17 injuries, according to local reports and officials.
The suspected gunman, a 16-year-old student, opened fire on the school before turning the weapon on himself. Among the injured, at least four were reported to be in critical condition. All victims were students aged between 14 and 17, confirmed Banga town mayor Albert Palencia.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development confirmed the death toll and deployed social workers to provide psychological support to those affected. The Department of Education stated it was "deeply concerned" and prioritizing the safety of students and staff, coordinating with authorities for investigation and necessary support.
Footage circulating on social media depicted injured students being carried from classrooms and police officers evacuating the building, with images showing blood on the school floors. Another video showed children being reunited with their families.
This incident marks the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June. Details regarding the shooter's identity have not yet been released by officials. Authorities are investigating the event and have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.