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Amid school shootings, Baguio probes revolver found with 13-year-old
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Amid school shootings, Baguio probes revolver found with 13-year-old

A 13-year-old student at Lucban Integrated School in Baguio City was found with an unserviceable .38-caliber revolver, prompting an investigation by police and education officials. The revolver, which had no ammunition, was seized from the student during a press conference held two days after the incident. This follows a wave of deadly school shootings across the Philippines, heightening concerns about school safety. Authorities are tracing the firearm's ownership and examining how it came into the student's possession. While no charges have been filed yet, police are considering whether legal action is warranted. The school administrator reported that affected students received psychological support after the incident.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has initiated an investigation into a school shooting in South Cotabato that resulted in three deaths, according to a statement released on Saturday. The incident occurred at Banga National High School on Friday afternoon, leaving six others injured. The attack marks the third fatal campus shooting in the region within a short period, prompting renewed calls for improved school safety protocols. The shooting took place at approximately 1 p.m. in Banga, a town about 15 kilometers from the provincial capital of Koronadal City. The victim, a 16-year-old student, reportedly opened fire on classmates before turning the gun on himself. Local authorities identified the deceased as a male student, though details regarding the identities of the other casualties remain pending. The governor of South Cotabato, Reynaldo Tamayo, stated that the victims included two 14-year-olds, a boy and a girl, and the shooter, who died by suicide. In a separate incident, a 13-year-old student at Lucban Integrated School in Baguio City was discovered with an unserviceable .38-caliber revolver. Authorities have begun an investigation into how the firearm came into the possession of the eighth-grade learner. The revolver, which contained no ammunition, was seized from the student during a press conference held on September 18. The school, which serves over 2,390 students from kindergarten through Grade 8, continues operations despite the incident. Police in Baguio confirmed that the firearm has not been linked to any law enforcement personnel. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the student's access to the weapon. School administrators reported that affected students received psychological support upon returning to classes. The student involved has been referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further assistance and has not yet resumed attendance. The DepEd is conducting a parallel inquiry under its child protection protocols, emphasizing the safety and well-being of students. Schools division superintendent Soraya Faculo noted that the department remains committed to ensuring the welfare of learners. Coordination with local government and child protection agencies is underway to enhance reporting mechanisms and school security measures. Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong has been briefed on the situation and is collaborating with DepEd and local police. The incident has prompted a reassessment of school entry points and security practices, including the presence of a single entrance and exit, a female security guard, and a handheld metal detector. The school maintains normal operations, with classes continuing uninterrupted.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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4 reports

GMA News Online logoGMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 90
2 dead, 7 injured in South Cotabato school shooting incident

On September 18, 2026, a shooting occurred at Banga National High School in Banga, South Cotabato, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. The shooter was among the deceased, according to reports from the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Classes in the municipality were suspended following the incident. The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed concern and emphasized the safety of students, teachers, and staff as its top priority. DepEd stated it was working with local authorities and law enforcement to investigate the event and provide support to those affected, including psychological aid. The department also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a tragic event without overtly favoring any political side. It includes statements from official sources such as the Department of Education and local disaster management offices, which are neutral in tone and focus on the incident’s impact and response. No煽

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the facts of the South Cotabato school shooting, including the number of casualties, the location, and official responses from the DepEd. It cites sources like RTV One Mindanao and the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The only mi

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting the facts without editorializing or taking sides. It quotes official statements and avoids using emotionally charged language. However, it could have been slightly more balanced by including perspectives from victims or families if availabl

Rappler logoRapplerIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 65
Amid school shootings, Baguio probes revolver found with 13-year-old

A 13-year-old student at Lucban Integrated School in Baguio City was found with an unserviceable .38-caliber revolver, prompting an investigation by police and education officials. The revolver, which had no ammunition, was seized from the student during a press conference held two days after the incident. This follows a wave of deadly school shootings across the Philippines, heightening concerns about school safety. Authorities are tracing the firearm's ownership and examining how it came into the student's possession. While no charges have been filed yet, police are considering whether legal action is warranted. The school administrator reported that affected students received psychological support after the incident.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the incident without overtly criticizing or praising either side. It reports on the investigation and the broader context of school shootings without taking a clear ideological stance. The focus remains on the procedural aspects of the inquiry rather than on

Why factuality (60): The article contains several inaccuracies and omissions. It references a 'caliber revolver' without specifying the exact type, and it incorrectly states that the gun was 'unserviceable' and 'had no ammunition,' which may not be confirmed. Additionally, the article appears to be AI-generated and incl

Why objectivity (65): The article exhibits a somewhat biased tone by linking the Baguio incident to a 'country shaken by a series of deadly school shootings,' which frames the local event within a national narrative. It also includes editorializing phrases like 'raising concerns about school safety and security measures,

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 85
DepEd investigates South Cotabato school shooting that claimed 3 lives

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines announced on Saturday that it has initiated an investigation into a school shooting in South Cotabato, which resulted in the deaths of three students. The incident was condemned as a 'violent act,' and DepEd expressed condolences to the victims' families and the broader school community. The article references further reading about the event but does not provide additional details beyond the initial announcement.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a violent incident involving a school, with DepEd taking responsibility for the investigation. There is no overt ideological framing, emphasis on specific political agendas, or biased language. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the official response and a

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on official statements and expressions of condolence. It avoids taking sides or using emotionally charged language, though it could have provided more context about the broader trend of school violence in the region.

Philippine Daily Inquirer logoPhilippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 80
South Cotabato school shooting kills 3, hurts 6

A shooting incident occurred at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, resulting in three student fatalities and six injuries. The attack took place on Friday afternoon and marks the third fatal campus shooting in the region. Details about the perpetrator remain under investigation, though reports suggest the attacker was a teenager. Authorities are currently assessing the situation and have not yet released further information.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a tragic event without overtly expressing ideological bias. It focuses on the incident itself, providing basic details without commentary on political policies, governance, or partisan perspectives. While the topic involves public safety and education, which

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (80): The article remains largely objective, presenting the facts without overt bias. It uses straightforward language and focuses on the event rather than commentary or opinion. However, the phrase 'another shooting rampage' implies a pattern, which could be seen as slightly interpretive.

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