VP Sara Duterte speaks about the recent shooting incident in South Cotabato
Vice President Sara Duterte tied the tragic shooting at Banga National High School directly to the “shortcomings” of the administration of President Bongbong Marcos.
This tragic incident occurred on September 18, 2026, in Banga, South Cotabato, in Mindanao, and resulted in three deaths, including the gunman, and left multiple students injured.
Reports stated that a 16-year-old Grade 9 student opened fire inside a classroom using a Taurus 9mm pistol. Based on investigation, the attack was meticulously planned as early as August.
It was said that the weapon tha the shooter used belonged to his father, who is a local Department of Education (DepEd) disaster risk reduction officer.
Based on the report from The Manila Times, Vice President Duterte blamed the Marcos administration for what happened,
VP Sara is claiming that PBBM’s focus on political alliances has come at the cost of protecting children. She also cautioned that without a shift in governance, more school violence is likely to happen.
“When a government prioritizes political consolidation over fundamental governance, the protection of children is inevitably compromised. The Marcos administration has failed the victims and survivors of the South Cotabato tragedy,” the Vice President said.
Furthermore, VP Sara criticized the administration’s failure to secure safe, and peaceful communities. She also argued that official efforts have focused primarily on political self-preservation and the consolidation of power. and just left aside the systemic law enforcement.
She further alleged that administrative shortcomings and neglect have left a larger population of Filipino children vulnerable.
Previously, VP Sara Duterte had a strong statements against PBBM. She said that Marcos is “bangag, sinungaling, korap.” The Vice President also called for the President’s resignation.
However, PBBM chose not to give much attention to the statement from the Vice President. He just said, “You cannot force anyone to love you.” After this, VP Sara’s spokesperson said that she is prepared to replace PBBM if ever he would resign.
