Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting incident inside a school in Banga, South Cotabato that killed at least three students and injured six others. Marcos gave the directive, as he condoled with the families of the victims of the deadly shooting.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic event at Banga National High School. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into how a minor managed to obtain and bring a firearm into the school premises. Marcos also promised medical assistance for the injured students.

The president noted that this incident marks the third fatal shooting within school grounds in just three months. In response to the ongoing violence in schools, he has called for the implementation of intensified measures to prevent future occurrences. Marcos tasked the Department of Education, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police to report back on the steps taken following the recent series of school shooting incidents.

Marcos highlighted the unacceptable nature of these tragedies, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding students' safety. He stated that school shootings should not become a normal part of children's lives and stressed the rights of children to study without fear, and the rights of parents to send their children to school with the assurance of their safety.

The police identified the shooter as a Grade 9 student who turned the gun on himself after attacking his classmates. The firearm used in the shooting was a 9mm Glock pistol belonging to the student's father, who is a member of a local gun club.