President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato that left three students dead, including the gunman, and six others wounded.
Marcos extended his condolences to the families of the victims and said the investigation must determine how a minor obtained and brought a firearm into the school.
“Nakikiramay ako sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay sa pamamaril sa Banga National High School sa South Cotabato (I extend my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato),” Marcos said.
“Iniutos ko rin ang isang masusing imbestigasyon sa naganap na pamamaril ngayong araw, kabilang na kung paano nakakuha at nakapasok ang isang menor de edad ng baril sa loob ng paaralan (I have also ordered a thorough investigation into today’s shooting, including how a minor was able to obtain and bring a firearm inside the school),” he added.
Police identified the gunman as a Grade 9 student who shot himself in the head after firing at his classmates inside a classroom at Banga National High School in Barangay Benitez at about 1:15 p.m. Friday.
South Cotabato officials said three students were confirmed dead, including the gunman, while six others were injured and brought to hospitals for treatment.
The student reportedly used a 9mm Glock pistol owned by his father, who is a member of a local gun club, according to the information provided by authorities.
Marcos also vowed to provide medical assistance to the wounded students.
He said the Banga shooting was the third fatal shooting inside school premises in three months and directed the implementation of intensified measures to prevent similar incidents.
The President instructed the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police to submit a report on the measures they have undertaken following a series of school shootings involving minors.
Marcos said the recent incidents underscore the need to strengthen the safety and security of learners.
“Muli tayong nahaharap sa isang trahedyang hindi dapat danasin ng sinumang magulang, paaralan, o komunidad (Once again, we are confronted with a tragedy that no parent, school, or community should ever have to experience),” he said.
He said school shootings should not become normalized and stressed that children should be able to attend school without fear.
“Hindi natin maaaring tanggapin na maging bahagi na lamang ng buhay ng ating mga anak ang mga pamamaril sa paaralan (We cannot accept school shootings becoming a normal part of our children’s lives),” Marcos said.
He added that children have the right to study safely and that parents should be able to send their children to school confident that they would return home safely.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while classes in Banga were suspended following the incident.
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