President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed law enforcement and education officials to launch a full-scale investigation following a deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Friday, which left at least three students dead and six others wounded.
Extending his sympathies to the victims’ loved ones, the President expressed grief over the tragedy.
“Nakikiramay ako sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay sa pamamaril sa Banga National High School sa South Cotabato,” he 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,” Marcos added.
Marcos pledged medical coverage for the surviving victims while expressing deep alarm that the tragedy marks the third fatal firearm attack inside an educational facility within a three-month period.
To address the alarming trend of campus violence, the Chief Executive mandated enhanced security protocols and required comprehensive action reports from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Muli tayong nahaharap sa isang trahedyang hindi dapat danasin ng sinumang magulang, paaralan, o komunidad,” Marcos noted.
Stressing that schools must remain safe havens for learners, he underscored that normalized violence in academic spaces is completely unacceptable.
“Hindi natin maaaring tanggapin na maging bahagi na lamang ng buhay ng ating mga anak ang mga pamamaril sa paaralan,” Marcos stated.
“Karapatan ng ating mga anak na makapag-aral nang walang takot. Karapatan ng mga magulang na maipadala sila sa paaralan nang alam na uuwi silang ligtas. Ito ang pananagutan natin sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.”
According to police reports, the perpetrator was a Grade 9 student who opened fire on classmates inside a classroom before taking his own life with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators revealed the suspect used a 9mm Glock handgun belonging to his father, a registered local gun club member.