PHILIPPINES – Six students killed after gun attack at a school

MANILA, September 18 /ATSH-DPA/ – At least six students were killed and 17 others wounded, several of them seriously, after a gun attack today at a school in the Philippines, authorities announced.

The incident occurred at “Banga National High School,” in the municipality of Banga in South Cotabato province, on the southern island of Mindanao.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the suspected perpetrator was a teenager who died after killing himself following the attack.

The wounded students were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, police cordoned off the school and launched investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

So far, authorities have not provided information about a possible motive for the attack.

After the tragedy, local authorities decided to suspend classes in all schools in the municipality of Banga, while investigations continue.

The Department of Education said it is cooperating with local authorities and police to clarify the incident and to guarantee safety in schools.

Social workers have been sent to the scene to provide psychological support to the children and families affected by the attack.