Three Students Killed In Philippines School Shooting

Three Students Killed in Philippines School Shooting

Three students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Friday, including a 16-year-old student suspected of being the gunman, who died after turning the weapon on himself. The shooting occurred at Banga National High School in Banga town, South Cotabato, according to Philippine officials. Local authorities said several other students were wounded in the attack.Officials said the suspected gunman opened fire inside a classroom before shooting himself. The Philippine News Agency reported that the three people killed included two male students and one female student. The suspected attacker was identified as a Grade 9 pupil. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.Reports on the number of injured students varied as authorities continued to assess the situation. The Associated Press reported that at least eight students were wounded, while the Philippine News Agency initially reported six injured. The attack prompted authorities to secure the school and suspend classes as investigations continued.Officials said the firearm used in the shooting was a 9mm pistol belonging to the suspect’s father, who reportedly kept the weapon in a secured vault. Authorities are investigating how the teenager obtained the gun and whether his online activities had any connection to the attack. The incident is among a series of deadly school shootings reported in the Philippines in recent months, prompting renewed concerns about firearms access and school security.