President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed condolences to the families of those killed in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato and ordered government agencies to strengthen security in schools and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The shooting on Sept. 18 left at least three people dead and several others injured, according to initial reports from local authorities. The suspected gunman, a Grade 9 student, was also among those killed, authorities said.

Marcos said the incident was the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines in three months, following previous incidents in Tacloban and Zamboanga.

“Ito na ang ikatlong nakamamatay na pamamaril sa paaralan sa loob lamang ng tatlong buwan,” Marcos said in a statement. He said he had directed government agencies to strengthen security measures and take steps to prevent similar incidents.

The president ordered the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to report on measures implemented following the earlier incidents.

He also ordered a thorough investigation into Friday's shooting, including how a minor was able to obtain a firearm and bring it inside the school.

Marcos said additional measures would be announced in the coming days to address remaining security gaps and better protect students.

“Karapatan ng ating mga anak na makapag-aral nang walang takot. Karapatan ng mga magulang na maipadala sila sa paaralan nang alam na uuwi silang ligtas,” Marcos said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. DepEd said it was coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement and would provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected.

The agency has also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.