Three killed in school shooting in southern Philippines

A deadly shooting occurred on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Banga National High School in the province of South Cotabato, southern Philippines. A 16-year-old student opened fire on his peers around midday, killing two students before taking his own life. According to local officials, including Mayor Albert Palencia and regional governor Reinaldo Tamayo, eight other students were injured, four of whom remain in critical condition. The victims were aged between 14 and 17 years old. The suspect reportedly alerted friends of his intent during lunch, though they initially dismissed it as a joke.

This incident marks the third fatal shooting at a Philippine school since June, representing a troubling increase in violence within educational institutions in a country where such events were previously rare. Other recent incidents include a live-streamed classroom killing in Zamboanga and a mass shooting at a public school in Tacloban. The Department of Education has expressed deep concern regarding the tragedy and is coordinating with law enforcement to support those affected. Authorities are currently investigating the specific circumstances and motives behind the attack.