The victim, who is a teacher from Himamaylan National High School, is set to serve in the elections. However, the department said it is unclear if the incident was election-related.
“Though it is unclear yet if such brutality was election-related, we denounce any acts of violence and injustice towards our teachers, who have dedicated their lives to the Filipino children and are now selflessly serving the country in this year’s election,” the DepEd said in a statement.
According to reports, the victim and her husband were on board a tricycle going home on Sunday night. The two got off the vehicle to remove piles of rock blocking their way before the suspects, who were hiding from a grassy portion of the road, shot the teacher.
The department will provide financial and other necessary assistance to the teacher’s family.
Meanwhile, DepEd Election Task Force Chair and Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua is also coordinating with concerned field offices and local officials to investigate the incident.
“We call on the local authorities in Negros Occidental to deliver swift justice for such heinous crime against our dearly departed colleague. Likewise, we reiterate our call to our partner agencies, especially the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to protect our teachers, poll workers, and voters,” said DepEd.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — The Department of Education on Monday condemned the shooting of a teacher from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental on the eve of the national elections.
