The carnage and consequences of rising extremism in Asia
A school shooting in the Philippines resulted in the deaths of two students and the perpetrator, who died by suicide. The event has sparked concerns regarding rising extremism and violence in the region.
Why it matters
This tragedy underscores the global challenge of school safety and the impact of extremist ideologies on youth.
Two students and a gunman died in September after a shooting at Banga National High School in the Philippines. ( ABC News: Haidarr Jones )
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Fourteen-year-old Bryan Pamonag is passing the time, working on a project with his schoolfriends.
It's lunchtime but they're staying inside a classroom, avoiding the oppressive September humidity in the southern Philippines town of Banga.
Suddenly they're interrupted by loud bangs. Two at first but more quickly follow.
With his ears still ringing, he realises what the noise is and where it has come from.
"I looked out the window, and I saw a student carrying a gun," Bryan told 7.30.
"I looked over at my classmates, and my best friend Chaldean had been shot.
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