At least three people are dead and several wounded after a school shooting in the Philippines, with local sources confirming the gunman acted on a long-held grudge over bullying. The attack unfolded at a high school in the province of Lanao del Sur, where the suspect, a former student, opened fire in a classroom before turning the weapon on himself. Police recovered a handgun and a note detailing years of torment at the hands of classmates.
The dead include two students and a teacher who intervened. Witnesses described chaos as students fled for cover. 'He was calm, almost methodical. He knew exactly who he was looking for,' a source told me. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Ricardo M., had been expelled for disciplinary reasons. He reportedly posted a farewell message online, saying he 'could not take the pain anymore.'
The UK Foreign Office has issued a statement calling for immediate action on gun violence and mental health support in schools. A spokesperson said: 'This tragedy underscores the need to address the root causes of violence and protect vulnerable young people.' The statement stops short of direct condemnation, but the message is clear: enough is enough.
This is not an isolated incident. The Philippines has seen a spate of school shootings in recent years, often linked to unaddressed grievances. The country's gun laws are notoriously lax, with an estimated 4 million unregistered firearms in circulation. 'We keep waiting for reform, but the bodies keep piling up,' a local activist told me.
Meanwhile, families have begun to bury their dead. The school remains closed, its hallways silent except for the echoes of gunfire. Police are investigating whether the shooter had outside help. Sources say he acquired the weapon through a black market dealer. The trail, as always, leads back to money and indifference.
This is a developing story. More to come.
