‘Justice is all I ask’ - Father questions security after Philippines school shooting
Key Takeaways
- Three students, including the gunman, died in the Banga National High School shooting.
- A victim's father questioned how an armed student was able to enter the school.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered a 'thorough investigation' into how the minor obtained the gun.
The father of a student killed at Banga National High School questioned how an armed pupil entered the campus as authorities investigate the gun used in the attack.
A grieving father is demanding answers over how a gun entered a school in South Cotabato after a shooting left three students dead, including the gunman.
Philippine Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian met families and survivors on Sunday, two days after the shooting at Banga National High School in Barangay Benitez.
During his visit, Gatchalian attended the wake of student Angelito Perez Perra, where he spoke with the boy's parents and other mourners. He also met another victim's family, community members and visited Banga Municipal Hall.
Father Questions School Security
Angelito's father, Ariel Malapascua Perra, raised questions about security at the school and demanded accountability for his son's death.
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"How did it get past the guard? How did an armed person manage to slip through? It took a long time to get news about it, and yet someone still got through. They should have been on alert," Perra said.
"All I am asking for is justice, that's all. Justice is all I'm asking for... for my child. Justice is all I ask," he added.
Authorities said a Grade 9 student opened fire on other students on Friday afternoon, September 18, before shooting himself.
Police are investigating how the student obtained the Glock 9mm pistol and managed to take it onto the school premises.
Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the weapon belonged to the shooter's father, a Department of Education employee. The father claimed the student had broken into the vault where the gun was kept.
Government Promises Long-Term Support
Gatchalian said assistance would extend beyond immediate financial support, with psychological and emotional care also being provided.
"We will make sure that we are here for the long run, not just for material things, but for the psychosocial support and emotional and mental well-being of our victims. And when I say 'victim', I use it in a broad sense - meaning not just the direct victims, but also those in the school community or the wider community of the municipality," he explained.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said authorities were examining reports about the shooter's possible links to an online community. He cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a 'thorough investigation' into how the minor obtained the firearm and took it to school.
He also asked education, interior and police authorities to report on measures introduced following a series of recent shootings involving minors on school premises.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
