DepEd condemns Negros Occ. teacher killing on eve of election
THE Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned the shooting of a teacher from Himamaylan National High School in Negros Occidental, who was set to serve in the 2022 National and Local Elections.
“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 education department expressed in a statement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the victim. Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones has instructed the Office of the Undersecretary for Finance to provide financial and other necessary assistance to the said teacher and her family,” DepEd said in a statement.
DepEd Election Task Force Chair and Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua is also coordinating with the concerned field offices and local officials to investigate the incident and provide support to the victim’s family and colleagues.
The DepEd has called on the local authorities in Negros Occidental to deliver swift justice for such a heinous crime against our dearly departed colleague.
DepEd said, “We reiterate our call to our partner agencies, especially the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to protect our teachers, poll workers, and voters.”
DepEd ended their statement, “Violence is not and should not be part of the process of democracy. Together, let us stay vigilant and reinforce a free, peaceful, and credible election for this nation.”
