Mindanao School Shooting Kills 2, Injures 8; Suspect Reportedly 16

Two students were killed and eight others wounded Friday when a gunman opened fire at a high school in Banga on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, authorities said. Officials allege the shooter was a 16-year-old classmate who then turned the weapon on himself.

Albert Palencia, the mayor of Banga — about 90 miles southwest of Davao — said the two deceased pupils were 14 years old. Four of the eight injured remained in critical condition and were being treated in hospital.

Local disaster management authorities ordered classes suspended across all 30 districts of Banga municipality while investigators worked to piece together the events. The national Department of Education expressed "deep concern," saying it was coordinating with other agencies to clarify the facts and to provide support for affected students, staff and families.

The education department urged the public to remain calm and to refrain from sharing unverified information while authorities continue their probe. Officials also appealed for people to stop circulating video footage of the attack, warning that such images could retraumatize victims and violate families' privacy.

Authorities noted that Friday's shooting was the third school-related gun attack in the Philippines in roughly three months. In June, at least three students were killed in Tacloban City after two students opened fire at a school; in August, a student in Zamboanga allegedly shot and killed a fellow pupil before turning the gun on himself. The department also recalled a deadly August attack in suburban Bangkok, Thailand, where at least eight teachers and pupils were killed and the 14-year-old shooter later died of a self-inflicted wound.

Next steps: Investigators are gathering evidence and authorities have said counseling and other support services will be made available for survivors, families and school personnel.