South Cotabato school reopens with enhanced security after shooting

BANGA, South Cotabato — Banga National High School is moving toward full operations after the deadly shooting incident that occurred on September 18, with administrators introducing enhanced security measures and new campus policies to ensure student safety.

The school is bringing students back to in-person classes in phases while reinforcing security protocols across the campus. The institution has also implemented a ban on smartphones during school hours, a measure officials say is designed to foster better peer interaction among students as the school community recovers from the incident.

The September 18 attack resulted in four deaths, including the shooter, and left seven others injured. The incident sent shockwaves through the school community and prompted immediate reviews of campus safety procedures.

School administrators have emphasized their commitment to creating a secure learning environment while supporting students and staff who experienced trauma from the incident. The phased return to normalcy reflects efforts to balance resuming academic activities with the psychological and security needs of the school community.