LIVE UPDATES: Banga National High School shooting (Sept. 21, 2026)

One student may be considered a hero in the shooting incident in Banga, South Cotabato after he saved at least 30 classmates, according to an official from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that a 14-year-old student prevented the Grade 9 shooter from entering their classroom.

She added that the student, whose name was withheld, allegedly kicked the shooter and closed the classroom door with a chair.

Vice President Sara Duterte condemned on Monday the recent school shooting in South Cotabato, which left at least three students dead and eight others injured.

“Patunay na ang ganitong uri ng karahasan ay isang mapait na katotohanan na maaaring mangyari sa mga paaralan ng ating mga anak sa anumang oras,” Duterte said in a statement.

(This proves that this kind of violence is a bitter reality that can happen in our children’s schools at any time.)

At the same time, Duterte criticized the Marcos administration following the incident.