A shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, left three students dead and eight others injured on Friday, September 18, 2026, according to local officials and police.
The attack occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the school in Banga town. The three people killed included the suspected 16-year-old shooter, who died by suicide after the attack, and two 14-year-old students. The eight injured students were reportedly between 14 and 17 years old, with four in critical condition.
Authorities said the suspect had reportedly spoken to friends before the shooting and warned them to leave the school because he planned to do something after lunch. His comments were reportedly dismissed at the time. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and how the teenager obtained the firearm.
The Philippine Department of Education said it was coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement while arranging assistance for affected students and families. In-person classes throughout Banga were suspended following the shooting. The department also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigators establish the facts.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged firearm owners to keep weapons securely away from children and teenagers. Officials have also highlighted school security and emergency preparedness as the investigation continues.
The incident is being reported as the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June 2026, following earlier attacks in Tacloban and Zamboanga.