(Photo courtesy of DXOM-AM)
KORONADAL CITY – The firearm used in the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato belonged to a Department of Education employee who is the parent of the suspected shooter, local officials said Saturday.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the identity of the employee and the minor was being withheld while authorities continued their investigation. He said the parent told him that the student had broken into the vault where the Glock 9mm pistol was stored.
The shooting occurred inside Banga National High School in Barangay Benitez shortly after 1 p.m. Friday. Authorities reported three fatalities, including the suspected shooter, and several injured students.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said investigators were also looking into an online community reportedly joined by the student and whether it had any connection to the attack. He cautioned against drawing conclusions while the investigation remains ongoing.
Tamayo urged parents and communities to pay closer attention to children’s school activities and online behavior, while stressing the need to keep schools safe from violence.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, said assistance would be provided to the families affected by the shooting, including financial aid for the injured and the families of those who died.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, including how the minor obtained the firearm and brought it inside the school.
