A teenager opened fire at Banga National High School in South Cotabato province on the island of Mindanao on Sept. 18, killing at least three people and wounding eight. Police say the suspect, a ninth-grade student, killed two classmates and then took his own life. The victims were aged 14 to 17.
The shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, southern Philippines, left at least three dead and eight injured on Sept. 18. Local police said four of the wounded were in critical condition.
광고 문의 · 300×250Police identified the suspect as a ninth-grade student at the school who killed a male and a female classmate before taking his own life. The weapon was a 9mm pistol taken from a safe at his home.
The suspect was confirmed to be the child of an education department employee. How the weapon came to be kept at the house, and whether storage obligations were met, is expected to form one line of the investigation. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 17.
A recurring problem of firearm storage
Civilian gun ownership in the Philippines operates under a licensing system, but observers have long noted that the number of weapons in circulation exceeds the number of licenses. Each school incident renews debate over storage duties and penalties.
Education authorities suspended classes at the school and activated psychological support for students and teachers. The Department of Education said it would consider expanding campus safety checks and counseling staff.
Where this touches our readers
The Philippines is a widely used destination for study and language programs from both Korea and Taiwan. Families sending minors on short courses can prepare practically by checking a school's access controls and emergency procedures along with local consular contacts.
Because this story concerns the deaths of young people, we have kept descriptive detail to a minimum. The cause must be established by investigation, and we do not relay speculation.
