Authorities have identified an 18-year-old person they believe may have influenced the 14-year-old student involved in the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.
Remulla said Wednesday, September 30, that police are already tracking down the individual, who is also from South Cotabato. According to the secretary, the person is no longer at their residence but remains in the province as authorities continue efforts to locate them.
The identification comes nearly two weeks after the September 18 shooting at the school, where a Grade 9 student opened fire shortly after lunch break. Three students, including the suspected gunman, were killed, while eight others were wounded in the incident.
Authorities have been investigating possible factors that may have influenced the teenager before the shooting. Remulla previously said the boy’s parents had noticed psychological difficulties as early as April and had sought assistance from psychology professionals.
The secretary also said investigators were looking into the teenager’s reported involvement with the deep web and whether exposure to violent material or online communities may have contributed to his behavior.
The firearm used in the shooting was reportedly taken from the suspect’s father. Investigators are continuing to examine how the weapon was accessed and the circumstances that led to the attack.
The alleged involvement of an 18-year-old individual adds another layer to the investigation, particularly as authorities examine the teenager’s online activities and possible interactions with the student before the shooting.
Police have yet to publicly disclose the identity of the person being tracked or provide details of any criminal charges. Authorities are expected to establish the nature of the relationship and determine what specific interactions, if any, took place between the two.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to account for the events and possible influences leading up to the Banga National High School shooting.
