2 dead, 7 injured in South Cotabato school shooting incident

Two were reported dead while seven were injured in a shooting incident at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato Friday noon, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao reported.

RTV One Mindanao said that based on the initial information gathered by the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the incident happened at 1:18 p.m.

It added that among the fatalities was the shooter.

The Banga Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said classes were immediately suspended in all levels in the municipality of Banga because of the incident.

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed deep concern over the reported shooting incident at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers, and school personnel,” DepEd said in a statement.

“We are closely coordinating with the Schools Division Office, Regional Office, local authorities, and law enforcement to verify the circumstances and provide necessary assistance,” it added.

DepEd said it is ready to provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected.

The agency also urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information as authorities continue their probe.

“The safety of every learner and member of the school community remains our foremost priority,” DepEd said.—AOL, GMA News