Teen shooter planned Cotabato school attack since August

The shooting at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, unfolded on Friday when the teenage gunman carried out what local officials characterize as a calculated assault. Mayor Albert Palencia disclosed on Saturday that police investigators had informed him of critical details about the incident, including the suspect's advance planning and communications with other students.

According to Palencia, the 16-year-old student had conceived the attack months in advance, with evidence of planning dating back to August. In the hours immediately preceding the shooting, the suspect allegedly made his intentions known to several classmates, raising questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy.

The revelation that the shooter had warned other students prior to opening fire adds another troubling dimension to the incident, suggesting awareness among the school community of potential danger. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the attack and the factors that may have motivated the teenage gunman.

The shooting has prompted renewed discussions about school safety measures and the need for protocols to identify and respond to threats of campus violence. Authorities are reviewing how the suspect's warnings were handled and what steps might have been taken to prevent the attack.