Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Father of Banga school shooter faces criminal charges over unsecured firearm
Police have filed criminal complaints against the father of the 16-year-old student who carried out a deadly shooting at Banga National High School last month. Investigators determined the teenager accessed a firearm that was not properly secured in the family home.
LSN Philippines ·
KORONADAL CITY — Authorities have formally charged the father of the teenage gunman involved in the fatal shooting at Banga National High School with criminal violations stemming from inadequate firearm storage, police officials confirmed Tuesday.
The 16-year-old student used a gun kept at the family residence to carry out the attack last month. According to Maj. Robert D. Fores, officer-in-charge of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), investigation findings showed the weapon was not properly secured, allowing the youth to access it.
The charges against the father reflect authorities' determination that parental negligence in firearm safekeeping contributed to the incident. Philippine law requires gun owners to store weapons securely and keep them away from minors.
The shooting at the South Cotabato school resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting a broader review of gun safety practices in households throughout the region. Police continue investigating all circumstances surrounding the attack.