14-year-old Banga shooting victim laid to rest

BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO — The 14-year-old student killed in the Sept. 18 shooting at Banga National High School was laid to rest Saturday as family, classmates, teachers, friends and church members gathered to bid her farewell and call for justice.

“Dianne,” not her real name, was buried at Banga Holy Trinity Memorial Park more than two weeks after the shooting that left three students dead, including the alleged 16-year-old gunman, and six others wounded.

During a necrological service on Friday, Dianne’s family and members of the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, where she was an active member, called on authorities to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable and deliver justice for the victims.

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READ: Student who fought off Banga school shooter: ‘I’ll do it again’

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The family also thanked those who had offered support and sympathy as they mourned her death, saying they hoped to eventually get answers about what happened to her.

Dianne’s remains were brought from the family home to the IFI church around 6 a.m. Saturday for the funeral service.

Among those who came to say goodbye was “Roy,” 14, Dianne’s classmate and best friend who survived the shooting and was later recognized for helping classmates escape during the attack.

Roy said Dianne was kind and thoughtful and that their memories together would stay with him.

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“She was very kind and friendly. I’m really glad that I got to know her because some of my best memories with her were when we helped each other with our projects, spent time together and laughed in our classroom,” he said.

“I’m really thankful that I got to know her because she was one of my best friends,” he added.

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Before Dianne was laid to rest, Roy thanked her for the memories and kindness she shared with their classmates, friends and churchmates.

“Wherever you are now, Dianne, fly high. Thank you for all the memories, thank you for being in my heart, and thank you for being my best friend,” he said.

Survivors home

All six students hospitalized after the shooting, including Roy, have been discharged and are now home.

The last to leave the hospital was a Grade 9 student who suffered a head injury and underwent surgery at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City.

South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rolly Doane C. Aquino said the student was already home, although her vision remained unclear during his latest visit.

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The discharge of all six survivors came more than two weeks after the shooting, which prompted tighter security measures in schools across South Cotabato and other parts of the region. /ja