Philippines school shooting: 3 killed, 6 injured at Banga National High School
Synopsis
A student gunman reportedly opened fire at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines on Friday, killing at least three and injuring six — the third major school shooting in the country in recent months. The Philippines Red Cross has mobilised on the ground as the Department of Education coordinates with law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
At least three people were killed and six injured in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines on Friday, 18 September 2026 .
South Cotabato Governor Reynald Tamayo confirmed the casualties.
The Philippines Red Cross says the suspected shooter is a student who is among the injured.
Six injured individuals were transported to Dantom Doctors Hospital and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital .
This follows a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University last month and an attack at San Jose National High School, Tacloban City on 22 June .
The Department of Education has pledged psychological and psychosocial support for those affected.
A shooting at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, the Philippines, left at least three people dead and six others injured on Friday, 18 September 2026, according to local media reports. The incident has prompted swift responses from provincial authorities, the Philippines Red Cross, and the Department of Education.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
South Cotabato Governor Reynald Tamayo confirmed the casualties. The Philippines Red Cross (PRC) said it had mobilised teams on the ground to provide critical life-saving assistance. In a statement, PRC noted: 'Preliminary reports (subject to verification) indicate 6 injured individuals transported to Dantom Doctors Hospital and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, one fatality, and the suspected shooter reported to be a student among the injured.'
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said, 'Our hearts go out to the school community, and our teams are on the ground ensuring that victims receive immediate care.'
Department of Education Response
The Philippines Department of Education described itself as 'deeply concerned' over the incident and urged the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information while authorities continue their investigation. In an official statement, the department said: 'Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel. We are closely coordinating with the Schools Division Office, Regional Office, local authorities, and law enforcement to verify the circumstances and provide necessary assistance. We are also ready to provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected.'
A Troubling Pattern of School Violence
The Banga incident is not isolated. Last month, a shooting occurred at the junior high school building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where a student armed with two pistols reportedly shot dead a classmate. Before that, on 22 June, at least three students and 20 others were injured when two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. The recurring nature of these attacks has raised urgent questions about school safety protocols across the country.
What Happens Next
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the circumstances of the shooting. The Department of Education has indicated it is coordinating with regional offices and local authorities. Mental health and psychosocial support teams are being dispatched to those affected. The final casualty count remains subject to verification as investigations continue.
Point of View
Not a string of isolated incidents. The recurring profile — students as perpetrators, high schools as venues — demands a policy response beyond condolences and coordination statements. The Department of Education's focus on 'psychological first aid after the fact' sidesteps the harder question of how weapons are reaching school premises in the first place. Until the Philippines enacts a credible school-entry security framework, these tragedies will keep repeating.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Banga National High School in South Cotabato?
A shooting incident at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, Philippines on Friday, 18 September 2026, left at least three people dead and six others injured. The suspected shooter is reportedly a student who is among the wounded.
Who confirmed the casualties in the South Cotabato school shooting?
South Cotabato Governor Reynald Tamayo confirmed the casualties. The Philippines Red Cross also issued a statement citing preliminary reports of six injured individuals and one fatality, noting the suspected shooter was a student.
How has the Philippines government responded to the Banga school shooting?
The Philippines Department of Education said it is 'deeply concerned' and is coordinating with local authorities, law enforcement, and regional offices. It has also pledged to provide psychological first aid and mental health support to those affected.
Is this the first school shooting in the Philippines recently?
No. Last month, a student shot dead a classmate at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. On 22 June, two students opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, injuring at least three students and 20 others. The Banga incident is the third major school shooting in the Philippines in a short period.
Where were the injured taken after the Banga school shooting?
The six injured individuals were transported to Dantom Doctors Hospital and South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, according to the Philippines Red Cross.
