Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said investigators are looking into a group that allegedly exerted a harmful influence on the student who carried out the deadly shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
During a DILG press briefing on September 21, Remulla said investigators found that the student, identified as Grade 9 learner Lucky Jeanrich Lope, came from what he described as a stable family and had aspirations of becoming a doctor. He said the student was not known to be a victim or perpetrator of bullying and had friends and a relationship.
Remulla said authorities, however, discovered details from the student’s phone that pointed to his involvement with a group that allegedly exposed him to violent and hateful ideas.
“There are three things which stand out upon examination sa background (nung shooter). Siya po ay nanggaling sa maayos na pamilya… Matalinong bata, gusto mag may ambisyon maging doktor, maraming kaibigan, hindi na bully, hindi rin siya bully,” Remulla said.
According to Remulla, the student had joined the group before his parents discovered his involvement in April 2026. He said the parents took steps to address the situation, including bringing the child to a psychologist and securing the firearm used in the shooting.
The DILG chief said investigators found references on the student’s phone to ideologies and content involving Satanism, Nazism, nihilism, anti-Semitism and anti-LGBT views.
“The kid was taught to hate. And in that hate, it festered a thought in his head that life became useless. And he dove into depression. Sa kanyang depression ay nakahanap siya ng dahilan kung bakit na ginawa lahat to,” Remulla said.
Remulla’s latest account follows the initial investigation into the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School, where three people, including the suspected shooter, were killed. The incident also left other students injured. DZRH previously reported that authorities were investigating the student’s alleged membership in a “true crime community” based on information from his best friend.
The DILG had earlier said the student was heavily involved in the “deep dark web” and that investigators found notes on his phone detailing his depression. Authorities have also been examining his online activities and possible exposure to violent content.
Remulla has called for closer scrutiny of children’s internet and social media use following the incident, saying the government is considering measures to protect minors from harmful online content.
The investigation into the shooting, including the student’s online activities, possible influences and circumstances surrounding the attack, remains ongoing.
