Three killed in Philippines school shooting as violence escalates
A 16-year-old student killed at least three people at a high school in South Cotabato. He was then shot dead himself.
At least three people died and eight were injured in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato province in the southern Philippines on Thursday. The shooter was a 16-year-old student among the three killed.
The victims were aged between 14 and 17. Four of the eight injured were in critical condition.
According to the school mayor, the shooter told classmates to go home before lunch. He said: "Because after lunch, I will be carrying out my plan."
His friends laughed, thinking he was joking. This is the third school shooting in the Philippines since June.
It breaks the pattern of rare incidents. School classes were suspended across the municipality after the attack.
The Philippine government has strict gun ownership rules, including background checks and mental health tests. But illegal firearms still exist and spread.
- 16 years old
- Shooter's age
- At least 3 dead, 8 injured (4 critical)
- Toll
- Third school shooting since June
- Pattern
Why it mattersSchool shootings were rare in the Philippines until this year. Three incidents in four months show a serious shift in violence. Students now face new risks.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the escalation of school shootings in Southeast Asia may affect Australian parents with children studying abroad and regional stability.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au·7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
