At least one dead, four injured in high school shooting in southern Philippines

At least one person has been killed and four others injured in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines .

The shooting unfolded at Banga National High School in the town of Banga, in South Cotabato province, on Friday afternoon.

Provincial Governor Reynaldo Tamayo told Reuters at least one person had been killed and four others wounded.

Police had earlier confirmed a shooting had taken place, as authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Philippines’ Department of Education said it was “deeply concerned” by reports of the shooting.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our learners, teachers and school personnel,” it said in a statement.

The department said it was working with authorities to verify details of the incident and provide necessary support.

“We urge everyone to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information as authorities continue their investigation.”

The shooting is the latest in a series of deadly incidents at schools in the Philippines in recent months.