Three Dead Including Gunman in Banga National High School Shooting
A student killed two schoolmates and then himself at Banga National High School, with police confirming three dead.
By Elena Petrova · First published 18 Sept 2026
In brief
- A shooting took place at Banga National High School in South Cotabato on September 18, 2026.
- Three students are confirmed dead, including the suspected 16-year-old gunman who committed suicide after shooting two classmates.
- Police and education authorities have confirmed the shooter was a student and the incident was a murder-suicide.
- This is the third deadly campus shooting in the Philippines since June, raising concerns over school security.
- Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack as the community calls for improved safety.
Timeline · 4 moments
Shooting confirmed at Banga National High School in South Cotabato
philstar.com - RSS Headlines ↗Police report multiple injuries and ongoing investigation
South China Morning Post ↗At least one dead and four injured in school shooting
The Hindu ↗Reports emerge of two fatalities and four injuries
Mint ↗Update 18 Sept 2026, 11:39 am UTC
New reports confirm at least three students are dead, including the suspected gunman who killed himself after shooting two schoolmates. Earlier estimates of casualties have been clarified, and the incident is now confirmed as a murder-suicide carried out by a student.
How it started
The incident began on September 18, 2026 at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, in the southern region of the Philippines. Early in the day, reports emerged of gunfire at the school, sending students and staff into panic.
Local authorities and rescue teams were quickly alerted as news spread of injuries and possible fatalities. The Department of Education and police confirmed the shooting soon after, but details remained limited in the immediate aftermath.
How it unfolded
Initial police reports confirmed that a shooting had occurred at a high school in Banga, South Cotabato, with several people reported injured. The Department of Education quickly acknowledged the incident and began coordinating with law enforcement.
As the day progressed, officials stated that at least one person had died and four others were injured, according to early accounts. Some outlets later reported two fatalities and four injuries, reflecting some uncertainty as authorities verified the facts.
The school was secured by police, and emergency responders treated the wounded. The attack shocked the local community, which is not accustomed to such violence in educational settings.
This shooting is notable as it follows two other deadly campus shootings in the Philippines since June, raising concerns over a possible trend. The police have stated that an investigation is ongoing, and details about the perpetrator or motive have not yet been released.
Where it stands
As of now, at least one person has been confirmed dead, and four to six others are reported injured. The exact number of casualties is still being verified by authorities.
The school remains under police control, and investigators are gathering evidence and statements from witnesses. The community and education officials are calling for improved security as they await more information about the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
What to watch
Authorities are expected to release more details about the shooter and the motive as the investigation progresses. There are also calls for increased security measures in schools across the region, and officials are likely to address these concerns in the coming days.


