THE teenager behind the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato was heavily influenced by material accessed on the deep dark web, Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Saturday.
Investigators examining the shooter’s phone found notes detailing prolonged depression that his parents had discovered as early as April 2026 and tried to address, but their efforts proved insufficient. The incident unfolded at 1 p.m. Friday, claiming three lives — two students and the shooter himself — and leaving eight others injured.
Remulla revealed the weapon used was one of three licensed firearms owned by the shooter’s father, a Department of Education (DepEd) disaster risk mitigation officer. The guns were inadequately secured, allowing the child to access and take one of them. “This is another incident and one too many. Again, for the third time, an illegal gun was used that was not secured,” Remulla emphasized, noting that even licensed weapons pose grave risks when proper storage protocols are neglected.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are conducting a thorough review of the shooter’s digital footprint and personal effects to understand the sequence of events leading to the violence. “We cannot read the mind of one person, but we can investigate the actions before these incidents,” Nartatez stated. Forensic analysis of the shooter’s phone, notes, and other devices has confirmed extensive exposure to violent content online and heavy engagement with concerning internet activities.
Remulla urged parents to actively monitor their children’s online activity, dismissing the idea that this violates privacy. “Check what they are viewing. It is not a privacy issue — that is your child… They are being drawn to deep and dark websites,” he said. Authorities continue to piece together the full timeline of warning signs and are coordinating with mental health and education officials to strengthen preventive measures in schools and communities nationwide.
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