The death toll from a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines has risen to six, while 17 others were seriously injured, according to authorities.

The attack took place at a high school in the municipality of Banga in South Cotabato province, where an armed assailant opened fire on people inside the school.

The Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development said the number of fatalities increased to six following the attack, while 17 injured people were receiving medical treatment.

Authorities said the suspected attacker was also believed to have been killed. An investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the motive and circumstances behind the shooting.

Classes were suspended in all schools across the municipality as a security precaution following the attack.

The incident has raised renewed concerns over school security in the Philippines. In June, a separate shooting at a high school in Tacloban City left at least three students dead and around 20 others injured.(ILKHA)