Father Stops Working to Take Care for Daughter After Being Shot in Banga School Shooting
A father from Banga, South Cotabato, has stopped his carpentry job to take care of his daughter who becomes blind after Banga School shooting.
Arnel Villaruel, a father from Banga, South Cotabato, has stopped working as a carpenter to care for his 14-year-old daughter, who is still recovering after being shot in the head during the Banga National High School shooting on September 18, 2026.
Villaruel decided to stay by his daughter’s side instead of continuing to work to provide for their family. The teenager suffered serious injuries in the shooting, leaving her blind in one eye while her vision in the other eye also became blurry.
She was previously brought to Cotabato Regional Medical Center for treatment and now continues to recover at home. Despite being discharged, she still needs regular medical checkups to monitor her condition.
The girl is the fourth of six siblings. Although her mother is also present, she prefers her father to take care of her. Villaruel personally helps her bathe and assists her with her daily needs as she adjusts to life after the incident.
Despite her condition, the teenager continues to find ways to enjoy the activities she loves. She still tries to write and draw, showing her determination to continue doing things that bring her happiness despite the challenges she faces.
However, caring for his daughter has also affected the family’s financial situation. Since Villaruel stopped working, they have lost their regular source of income, making it harder to cover their daily expenses and the girl’s continuing medical needs.
With this, the father is appealing for help from kind individuals and organizations who may be willing to support his daughter during her recovery. Any assistance could help provide for her daily needs, transportation to medical appointments, and other expenses related to her treatment.
The Villaruel family lives in Purok Mahigugmaon, Barangay Cabudian, Banga, South Cotabato.
As of this writing, Villaruel remains focused on helping his daughter recover and making sure she receives the care she needs.
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