At least six students have been killed and 17 others wounded in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Friday, according to the country's Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The deceased are said to be students, including the shooter.
The shooting was reported at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, according to the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd).
Classes at all levels across Banga were immediately suspended following the incident, the Banga Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.
Education officials seek to verify details
DepEd said it was “deeply concerned” about the reported use of firearms at the school and was coordinating with its local and regional offices, authorities and law enforcement to determine the circumstances.
“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” the department said.
DepEd also said it was prepared to provide psychological first aid and mental health support to those affected.
The department urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information while the investigation continues. Its regional office separately appealed to the public not to circulate videos of the incident, citing the privacy and well-being of victims and their families.
The shooting comes less than three months after a deadly attack at a high school in Tacloban City, where at least three students were killed and about 20 others wounded in June.
