Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday accused the Marcos administration of failing to protect students following the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, saying the incident exposed gaps in school safety and public security.
In a statement, Duterte described the Banga shooting as the country’s third school shooting this year and said the incident should serve as a warning that schools cannot be presumed safe from violence.
“The Marcos administration has failed the victims and survivors of the South Cotabato tragedy. Countless more Filipino children remain at risk of becoming casualties of this government’s incompetence and neglect,” Duterte said.
The September 18 shooting left three people dead, including the suspected shooter, and eight others injured, according to reports. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including how the minor gained access to the firearm used in the incident.
Duterte said the incident reflected what she described as a broader failure in governance and public safety, particularly in protecting children from violence.
“This reminds us that when a government prioritizes political consolidation over fundamental governance, the protection of children is inevitably compromised,” she said.
She also accused the Marcos administration of focusing on political interests instead of addressing security and governance concerns.
“At sa halip na may makabuluhang aksyon at pagpapatupad ng kaayusan, ang administrasyong Marcos ay nakakulong sa walang katapusang laro ng political survival at consolidation. Para kasi sa administrasyong Marcos, mas madali ang maging inutil, magnakaw, at magsamantala kaysa magsilbi nang tapat sa bayan,” she said.
Duterte called for stronger government action to prevent similar incidents and protect Filipino children.
“We deserve better leadership than this,” she said.
The Department of Education, meanwhile, said the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and school personnel remain its immediate priority. The agency said it is coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement and providing psychological first aid and psychosocial support to those affected.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting, including how a minor was able to obtain and bring a firearm into the school.
Marcos said school shootings should not become a normal part of Filipino children’s lives and stressed that students have the right to study without fear.
The Philippine National Police has also been looking at measures to strengthen school security, including closer coordination and site-specific security assessments following the incident.
