Banga: Three students were killed, including the gunman, while six others were wounded after a shooting incident inside a school in Banga, South Cotabato on Friday afternoon, officials said. The shooting transpired inside one of the classrooms of Banga National High School in Barangay Benitez at about 1:15 p.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rolly Aquino, head of the South Cotabato provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, confirmed that as of 4 p.m., three individuals were confirmed dead: two males and one female student. The gunman was identified as a Grade 9 pupil, who shot himself after firing at his classmates.

The student-shooter reportedly used a 9mm Glock pistol owned by his father, who is a member of a local gun club. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. informed reporters that police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Governor Tamayo expressed his distress over the event, stating, "It pains me to see this happening in one of our schools." He also noted that the provincial government has allocated funds to employ security guards to enhance school safety.

Further insights revealed that the suspect was part of an Internet community focused on online games involving firearms, as quoted by a classmate. Due to the incident, classes at the school have been suspended until further notice.