Boy, 14, Fatally Shoots 2 Students and Injures 8 Others at School After Allegedly Being ‘Influenced’ by the Dark Web

A tragic incident at a school in the Philippines has left two students dead and eight others injured, following a shooting allegedly carried out by a 14-year-old boy. The event occurred on Friday, 18 September, around 1:15 p.m. local time at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. Reports indicate that the shooter, who later took his own life, used a firearm registered to his father.

The shooting unfolded in a Grade 9 classroom, and shortly after the arrival of police, the affected area was cordoned off as investigators began to examine the scene. Authorities are currently working to determine how the teenager was able to access his father’s unsecured weapon, which was one of three licensed firearms owned by the boy’s father, an employee of the Department of Education. As of now, neither the shooter nor his father has been identified publicly.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that the father had failed to secure his firearms properly. Despite the ongoing investigation into these tragic events, there has been no suspension of the father from his job, according to reports in The Manila Times. As investigations progressed, officials began examining the alleged shooter’s notes and digital devices for potential clues surrounding the incident.

Philippine National Police Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. indicated that the shooter had shown concerning online behaviour prior to the incident. He explained that records revealed the boy’s heavy engagement with social media and violent content on the Internet. Officials have also stated that the shooter’s cellphone contained notes that suggested he was dealing with depression, raising further questions about the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Local authorities reported that the boy’s parents had attempted to intervene after observing troubling signs of distress as early as April 2023. In a statement, Banga’s Mayor Albert Palencia described how, prior to the shooting, the boy had made comments to his friends jokingly suggesting they go home to avoid danger. Those present at the scene recount that he had sat with his friends and jokingly warned them to leave, but their laughter turned to horror as he opened fire shortly thereafter.

For the eight students injured, at least four remain in critical condition. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has announced plans to provide financial support to the families of the deceased teenagers and to the wounded students.

The Department of Education has expressed outrage over what it called a “breach of campus safety.” In a statement, they affirmed their commitment to assist the victims and coordinate closely with local law enforcement as the investigation proceeds. Officials have rushed to the scene to offer immediate support to those affected by this devastating event.

At present, the Philippine National Police have not issued any additional comments regarding the case. The aftermath of this tragic shooting continues to raise serious questions about firearm security, mental health, and the responsibilities of adults in safeguarding children’s wellbeing in educational environments. The community, grappling with the loss and injury, is looking ahead to potential measures that could prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.