THE 16-year-old student who killed two schoolmates and wounded eight others in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato had reportedly been exposed to violent material on the dark web, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Remulla, citing an initial Philippine National Police investigation, said authorities found notes on the student’s cellphone describing his struggles with depression and indications that he had been planning the attack.

The firearm used in the Sept. 18 incident was reportedly taken from a safety box belonging to the suspect’s father, a Department of Education employee. Authorities are still determining how the student gained access to the weapon and whether the firearm was properly licensed.

Officials said the attack appeared to have been planned weeks earlier. Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said the student had allegedly discussed his plan with friends through a Messenger group and warned them not to attend school on the day of the shooting.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the government would review school security measures, including access controls and emergency response protocols.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology also urged the public not to share graphic photos or videos of the incident, warning that such material could cause further harm and potentially encourage copycat attacks.