Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) —There will be no blanket suspension of classes in Masbate following clashes between communist rebels and government forces, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
“The suspension of in-person classes and immediate shift to blended learning shall be left to the discretion of the school heads/principals, upon due assessment and proper coordination with the concerned LGU,” DepEd said in a statement.
It added that the Army division commander has “committed to protect our school personnel and learners in the area” and is in constant communication with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed concern over the clashes, which he said traumatized civilians who were mostly school children and teachers.
“This just demonstrates that although we have made much progress in the fight against the Communist Terrorists Groups, we must be continuously vigilant so that such murderous abuses are avoided in the future,” Marcos said in a tweet.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said government troops and communist rebels armed with anti-personnel mines clashed Wednesday in two barangays.
Two soldiers were injured during the fighting in Barangay Locso-on, Placer while one M16 rifle and three magazines were recovered.
Two police officers were also injured during the clash in Barangay Gaid, Dimasalang.
“Kaugnay nito, maraming sibilyan sa komunidad ang labis na naapektuhan ng pangyayari lalo pa’t nagdala ito ng takot at trauma sa mga guro at mag-aaral,” AFP said in a statement.
[Translation: In relation to this, a lot of civilians in the community are gravely affected by the incident, especially since it brought fear and trauma to some teachers and students.]
A series of explosions were heard throughout a video posted on social media by netizen Alfred Dumoran Pepito.
