MANILA, Philippines — Emergency medical crews, social workers, and education officials from state agencies and humanitarian groups deployed response units after a student allegedly opened fire at Banga National High School in South Cotabato around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18.
Authorities confirmed six fatalities resulting from the shooting, including a teacher at the high school. Five of the deceased victims were identified as Chaldean Lubaton, Aubrey Cariaga, Bryan Ezek Pamonag, Janelle Villaruel, and Rodel Bartholin, while the identity of the sixth victim remains pending official confirmation.
Social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 12 arrived at the local hospitals to administer psychosocial support and psychological first aid. DSWD confirmed fatalities during the attack and extended sympathies to the families.
In a separate official statement, Department of Education (DepEd) leadership emphasized that the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel remain its immediate priority.
DepEd added that it is actively collaborating with field officials, regional directors, local authorities, and law enforcement to verify the circumstances, provide necessary assistance, and deploy intervention teams to deliver psychological first aid on campus.
"The safety of every learner and member of the school community remains our foremost priority," DepEd stated, while urging the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information as police conduct their investigation.
DSWD Field Office 12 Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya, chairing the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) and Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC), likewise appealed to the public and media to refrain from sharing footage or photos of the attack.
Cabaya emphasized strict adherence to Media Guidelines for Children to ensure child-sensitive reporting during active investigations.
