Teen opens fire at Philippine school

A 16-year-old gunman shot two 14-year-old students dead and injured eight others at Banga National High School in Mindanao on Friday afternoon before killing himself.

“After lunch, he started shooting students. He hit 10 students before killing himself.”

Gunman warned friends beforehand

During lunch, the shooter told friends to go home because he would execute his plan afterward. His friends laughed, thinking he was joking as he was known for humor.

“because after lunch, [he would] be executing [his] plan”

Four injured in critical condition

Mayor Albert Palencia confirmed that four of the eight injured students are in critical condition. The education department said it is coordinating with authorities to provide support.

Third school shooting in four months

This is the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June. In June, three students died in a shooting linked to bullying. In August, a student killed a peer and himself.

Gun access remains a concern

The Philippines has one of the highest gun ownership rates in the region. Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged adult gun owners to store firearms responsibly and keep them away from minors.

“be responsible in storing firearms”

Classes suspended across Banga

All classes at all levels in the entire municipality of Banga have been suspended following the shooting. The Philippine Red Cross dispatched paramedics to provide emergency assistance.