President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a nationwide review of school safety measures and a thorough investigation into the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Marcos said authorities must determine how a minor was able to obtain a firearm and bring it inside the school, stressing that school shootings must not become a recurring reality in the country.
“Muli tayong nahaharap sa isang trahedyang hindi dapat danasin ng sinumang magulang, paaralan, o komunidad,” Marcos said.
He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that those injured are receiving medical treatment and assistance.
The President directed the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Philippine National Police to submit reports on the safety measures implemented following previous school shootings and identify remaining gaps.
The Banga shooting is the third deadly school shooting reported in the country in recent months, following incidents in Tacloban and Zamboanga.
Police said the shooting happened shortly after 1 p.m. Friday inside the school premises. Three students, including the suspected shooter, were killed, while several others were wounded. Authorities immediately secured the area and began crime scene processing, evidence examination and witness interviews.
Authorities are also investigating how the minor accessed the firearm used in the attack. Initial reports indicate that the gun belonged to the suspect’s father, a Department of Education employee. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the father had three licensed firearms, but authorities are examining whether they were properly secured.
Meanwhile, lawmakers from both chambers of Congress have renewed calls for tighter firearm controls, stronger mental health support and closer coordination among government agencies to prevent violence in schools.
The Philippine National Police has appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators and refrain from spreading unverified information or graphic materials while the investigation remains ongoing.
