Philippines School Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Six Injured in South Cotabato

September 18, 2026

Manila: At least three people were killed and six others injured after a shooting at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, the Philippines, on Friday, officials said.

South Cotabato authorities confirmed that three people, including the suspected student shooter, were killed in the incident, while six others were wounded and taken to hospitals for treatment. The shooting occurred inside the school at around 1:15 p.m., according to local authorities.

Three Killed, Six Injured in School Shooting

The Philippine National Police and provincial authorities confirmed the deaths and injuries as emergency responders rushed to the school and nearby hospitals.

The Philippine Red Cross said its teams were mobilised to provide emergency assistance. Preliminary information indicated that six injured people were transported to Dantom Doctors Hospital and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said authorities were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Classes in Banga were suspended following the incident.

Department of Education Urges Calm

The Philippines’ Department of Education said it was deeply concerned over the incident and urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information while authorities investigate.

The department said the safety and well-being of students, teachers and school personnel remained its foremost priority. It added that it was coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement and was prepared to provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected.

Authorities have also urged people to refrain from sharing photographs and videos that could identify or expose children involved in the incident.

Authorities Probe Reported Online Community Link

Governor Tamayo has asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group to investigate an online community reportedly associated with the minor allegedly involved in the shooting.

Officials stressed that no conclusion has been reached about whether the online community had any connection to the attack and said the matter remains under investigation.

The shooting comes after other school shooting incidents in the Philippines this year. On June 22, at least three students were killed and around 20 others injured after two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. On August 18, a student at Ateneo de Zamboanga University reportedly shot and killed a schoolmate.