DepEd confirms shooting in South Cotabato school

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education confirmed on Friday, September 18, the reported use of firearms at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato.

DepEd said it was "deeply concerned" by the "reported shooting incident" at Banga National High School.

The department's statement did not say what time the shooting took place, whether anyone was hurt, or who was involved. 

The department said it is currently coordinating with its Schools Division Office and Regional Office, local authorities, and law enforcement "to verify the circumstances and provide necessary assistance."

"Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel," DepEd said.

DepEd said it is ready to give psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected. 

It urged the public to stay calm and stop sharing unverified information while authorities investigate.

In a separate statement, DepEd's Region XII office urged the public to immediately cease the distribution of videos of the "incident in Banga" to "respect the victims and their families." It said that sharing the material would cause trauma and violate the privacy of victims.

The public school sits in Barangay Benitez, Banga, and offers both junior and senior high school.

The report comes less than three months after two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, killing at least three schoolmates and wounding about 20 others.

On August 18, a shooting broke out at the junior high school building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. A student armed with two pistols shot dead a schoolmate.