KORONADAL CITY – A Grade 9 student died by suicide after allegedly shooting four classmates inside Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Friday afternoon, authorities said.
The incident occurred at around 1:15 p.m. inside a classroom in Barangay Benitez, Banga.
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said four students were rushed to different hospitals, including the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, for treatment.
Tamayo said students were seen fleeing the school following the shooting, while local officials, school personnel and emergency responders attended to the injured.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the student obtained the firearm and what may have led to the shooting.
Tamayo said the provincial government has allocated funds for security personnel to help strengthen safety measures in schools.
Authorities are also looking into information from classmates regarding the student’s online activities, but no connection to the shooting has been established.
Classes at Banga National High School have been suspended until further notice as authorities continue their investigation and the school community responds to the incident.