LGU and DepEd Issue Safety and Privacy Advisories Following Friday Afternoon Incident in Banga

Authorities have confirmed a shooting incident inside the campus of Banga National High School in South Cotabato, which transpired on the afternoon of Friday, September 18, 2026. According to official briefings from South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., Banga Mayor Albert Palencia, and local emergency response units, the event resulted in three student passings.

Between six to eight other individuals sustained injuries and were immediately transported to local healthcare facilities, including the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and nearby centers, for urgent medical attention. In immediate response, Mayor Albert "Boyet" Palencia suspended classes at all levels across the municipality. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and school officials are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the event. As a sign of mourning, the school has flown its flag at half-mast.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Region XII Office strongly urges the public to cease downloading, sharing, or commenting on distressing footage or photographs circulating online. Distributing these materials compromises the privacy of the families involved and inflicts further trauma on the school community.

Due to conflicting figures in early social media reports, the public is advised to rely strictly on verified updates released by DepEd, the local government unit (LGU), and the PNP. To support the school community, DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Red Cross are actively coordinating to provide psychological first aid and mental health psychosocial support to all affected students, faculty, and families.

Courtesy: Banga MDRRMO