Manila, Sept 19:
Two 14-year-old students were killed and at least eight others injured after a 16-year-old student opened fire at a high school in the southern Philippines on Friday, authorities said.
The shooting took place at Banga National High School in Banga town in South Cotabato. The gunman, who also died after shooting himself, reportedly targeted students in a classroom next to his own. Police secured the school campus and launched an investigation.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said the two students killed were a boy and a girl, both aged 14. Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the gunman shot 10 students, killing two and injuring eight others. Another person was taken to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.
According to the mayor, the 16-year-old had told friends before the incident to leave after lunch because he was “going to do something”. His classmates reportedly believed he was joking.
The mayor said the weapon used in the shooting was a 9 mm handgun belonging to the teenager’s father, who worked for the Department of Education. The gun had reportedly been kept in a vault, which the teenager allegedly broke open.
Authorities are also examining the teenager’s online activity. Officials said he had been a member of an online “true crimes community”, where school shooters were reportedly idolised. Police are investigating whether his online activity was connected to the attack.
The teenager’s school adviser also told authorities that his mother had wanted to take him to a psychiatrist. Police and local officials are continuing their investigation into the shooting, including how the teenager obtained access to the firearm.