Three students were killed and eight others injured in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Friday, in the country's third deadly school shooting since June, according to provincial officials and police.

The shooting took place at Banga National High School in Banga town, South Cotabato province, on the island of Mindanao, at around 1:30 p.m. local time.

Banga Mayor Albert Palencia said all of the victims were students between the ages of 14 and 17. The three people killed included the suspected gunman, a 16-year-old student who authorities said turned the weapon on himself after opening fire.

Eight other students were wounded, with four reported to be in critical condition, according to officials.

The initial reports from local rescuers had put the death toll at two, with seven people being treated in hospitals. The figures were subsequently revised as authorities received additional information from the scene and hospitals.

According to Mayor Palencia, the suspected shooter had reportedly told friends before the attack that they should go home because he planned to carry out his attack after lunch. His friends reportedly did not take the warning seriously, describing him as someone who frequently joked.

Palencia said the student subsequently opened fire on other students before taking his own life. Authorities are continuing to investigate how the firearm was obtained and what led to the shooting.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo said the situation was brought under control and urged residents to remain calm.

“For now, we are trying to let our fellow citizens know that the situation is stable and the case is contained,” Tamayo said.

Classes at all levels were immediately suspended across Banga following the shooting. Authorities in neighboring Surallah also suspended classes as a precaution.

The Philippine Department of Education said it was coordinating with local officials, school authorities and law enforcement agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The department said its immediate priority was the safety and well-being of students, teachers and school personnel and that psychological first aid and mental-health support would be made available to those affected. It also urged the public not to circulate unverified information about the incident.

Friday's attack is the third deadly school shooting reported in the Philippines since June.

In June, at least three students were killed and about 20 others injured after two classmates opened fire at a public high school in Tacloban City.

On Aug. 18, another student was killed in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City. The student who carried out that attack also died by suicide.

The recent incidents have prompted heightened concern over school security in the Philippines, where school shootings had previously been relatively uncommon.

Nationwide live-shooter drills were conducted this month following the recent attacks as authorities sought to strengthen preparedness at schools.

Philippine authorities have yet to establish a definitive motive for Friday's shooting. Officials have urged the public to rely on verified information while the investigation continues. (ILKHA)