A 16-year-old student reportedly opened fire at a high school in southern Philippines, killing two students and injuring eight others before taking his own life.
The victims were two 14-year-old students at Banga National High School in Banga, according to local officials.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said four of the injured students were in critical condition.
The attack happened during the afternoon on Friday.
Attack Followed Lunch Break
Palencia told Reuters that the suspect had spoken with friends during lunch.
The teenager reportedly told them that he would carry out his plan after lunch and advised them to go home.
His friends reportedly dismissed the warning because they considered him a joker.
The mayor said the teenager later began shooting students.
He reportedly hit 10 students before killing himself.
Emergency Response
The Philippine Red Cross said it was alerted to the shooting at about 2pm local time.
An ambulance and four paramedics were sent to the school to provide emergency assistance.
Police also arrived at the scene and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Schools Shut Across Banga
Authorities suspended classes at all levels throughout the municipality.
The suspension was announced as officials assessed the situation and investigated the shooting.
The Department of Education said it was coordinating with authorities.
It also appealed to the public not to share information that had not been verified.
A Growing Concern
The latest attack is the third deadly school shooting reported in the Philippines since June.
A June shooting at a school in central Philippines left three students dead.
Authorities believed the incident was connected to a bullying-related grudge.
In August, a student at a Catholic junior high school in the southern Philippines killed a fellow student before taking his own life.
Call for Safer Gun Storage
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo urged gun owners to take greater responsibility for firearm storage.
He said adults must ensure that children and other minors cannot access their weapons.
Tamayo also said communities must work together because schools cannot rely only on security personnel to protect large numbers of students.
The latest shooting has renewed concerns about firearm access and school safety in the Philippines.
