SIX people were killed in a shooting incident inside the Banga National High School in Banga town, South Cotabato, on Friday afternoon.
Police identified five of the fatalities as Chaldean Lubaton, Aubrey Cariaga, Bryan Ezek Pamonag, Janelle Villaruel and Rodel Bartholin.
The identity of the sixth fatality was still being confirmed.
Police said among those killed was a teacher at the school, but it was not clear if the others were students.According to initial reports from local authorities and emergency responders, the shooter is a student who was injured after he turned the gun on himself.
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said investigators were verifying if the shooter is connected with an online group known as the “True Crime Community.”
The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed deep concern over the latest in a series of school shootings.
“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers and school personnel,” the department said in a statement.
It said it is closely coordinating with its Schools Division Office, Regional Office, local government officials and law enforcement agencies in piecing the details of the incident together.
DepEd appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid disseminating unverified information or speculative statements on social media while the investigation is in progress.
“The safety of every learner and member of the school community remains our foremost priority,” the department said.
Teams from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 12 were sent to local hospitals to administer psychosocial support and psychological first aid to distressed members of the school community.
DSWD Field Office 12 Regional Director Loreto Jr. Cabaya said strict adherence to Media Guidelines for Children must be observed to ensure child-sensitive reporting during active investigations.
