Three Dead, Including Two Students, in Shooting at Philippine School

At least three people, including two students, were killed in a shooting at a school in the Philippines. Several other students were injured and have been taken to the hospital. Among the deceased is the suspected gunman. The Philippine National Police confirmed three fatalities from the incident. The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time on Friday at Banga National High School in South Cotabato province on the island of Mindanao.

Governor Renaldo Tamayo of South Cotabato reported that two of the deceased were students: a 14-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. No information has been released yet regarding the motive behind the attack. Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Police officers at the scene have secured the area and are coordinating with school officials and medical personnel to assist affected students and staff.

A video authenticated by AFP posted on Facebook shows a man carrying an injured boy out of the school. In another video, a teacher speaking in the local language stated there were two gunmen. A student claimed that the assailants were outsiders. School shootings have been occurring repeatedly in the Philippines. In August, a high school student opened fire inside a private university campus, killing one student and injuring two others; the gunman then shot himself. Earlier in June, a shooting at a school in Tacloban city in the eastern part of the country resulted in three student deaths and around 20 injuries.