Two students have been killed and eight others injured after a 16-year-old allegedly opened fire at a high school in the southern Philippines.
The shooting happened on Friday afternoon at Banga National High School in Banga, Mindanao.
The two students who died were both 14 years old, according to Banga Mayor Albert Palencia.
He said four of the injured students were in critical condition.
Suspect Reportedly Dies
Palencia said the teenage suspect later died by suicide.
According to the mayor, the student had spoken to friends during lunch before the attack.
He reportedly told them to go home because he planned to carry out a shooting after lunch.
His friends reportedly did not take the warning seriously because they knew him as someone who often joked.
Palencia said the suspect later opened fire on students.
He reportedly struck 10 students before taking his own life.
Classes Suspended
Authorities suspended classes at all levels across Banga following the shooting.
The move was announced as police began investigating the incident.
The Philippine Red Cross said it received an alert at about 14:00 local time.
It then sent an ambulance and four paramedics to assist the victims.
Education Department Reacts
The Philippine education department said it was deeply concerned about the incident.
Officials said the immediate priority was the safety and welfare of students, teachers and other school personnel.
The department said it was working with authorities to verify details and provide support.
It also urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Third Deadly School Shooting
Friday’s incident is the third deadly school shooting reported in the Philippines since June.
In June, three students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the central Philippines.
Investigators reportedly believed that attack was linked to a grudge involving bullying.
In August, another student was shot dead at a Catholic junior high school in the southern Philippines.
The suspect later died by suicide.
Governor Urges Gun Owners to Act
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo called on adult gun owners to store firearms responsibly.
He also urged them to ensure that minors cannot gain access to guns.
Tamayo said protecting students cannot be left solely to security personnel.
He called for cooperation among families, schools and communities to prevent similar incidents.
