Marcos Orders Thorough Probe into Banga High School Shooting

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the school shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, which resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to several others. In a statement, Marcos expressed his condolences to the victims and assured the injured students of government assistance. “Today, I ordered the Department of Education, DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), and the Philippine National Police to report to me on the steps taken following previous incidents. In the coming days, we will announce additional measures to address the remaining gaps and better protect our students,” Marcos said. “I also ordered a thorough investigation into today’s shooting, including how a minor obtained a gun and brought it into the school,” he added. Marcos also ordered concerned agencies to strengthen security measures in schools, stating, “We cannot allow school shootings to become a part of our children’s lives.” He emphasized that children have the right to study without fear, and parents have the right to send their children to school knowing they are safe. The South Cotabato shooting marks the third school shooting incident in the country since June. A shooting in Tacloban City in June left three people dead, while a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga in August resulted in the deaths of two students, including the shooter. These incidents underscore the urgent need to enhance school safety measures across the Philippines. Information Source: GMA News Philippines