Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed Saturday that the father of the 14-year-old student involved in the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato is a Department of Education (DepEd) official designated as a disaster risk mitigation officer.

Remulla said the father owns three licensed firearms and that one of the guns was not adequately secured, allowing the teenager to access and take it.

“For the third time, a legal gun was used that was not secured,” Remulla said. “Hindi po secured enough na kinuha.”

The DILG chief said investigators also found indications that the teenager had been heavily involved in the “deep dark web,” which he said may have influenced the student.

According to Remulla, investigators also found notes on the teenager’s phone detailing his depression. He said the parents discovered the situation in April 2026 and attempted to address it.

Remulla said the parents “tried to handle the situation, ngunit nagkulang.”

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators had been looking into the teenager’s activities months before Friday’s shooting.

“We looked into various personal effects upon coordination with the parents,” Nartatez said.

He added that records showed the teenager had been heavily involved in social media and internet activities involving violent content.

The shooting at Banga National High School on Friday left three children dead — two Grade 9 students and the 14-year-old student identified as the alleged shooter.

Eight other students were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was accessed and the teenager’s online activities.

In response to the issue of gun ownership and handling, Remulla has urged Congress to pass legislation that will strengthen the premise of liability and accountability among gun owners.