TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education(DepEd) in Eastern Visayas has expressed deep concern and condemnation following two separate shooting incidents inside school campuses in Leyte within a week, both involving teachers attacked by their husbands.
In a statement released late Wednesday,Oct.22, DepEd-8 said the tragic events have “deeply affected the education community” and underscored the urgent need to strengthen measures to ensure the safety and protection of learners and personnel.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday morning, October 22, when a female public school teacher identified only as “Ellen,” 39, was gunned down by her husband, “Lino,” 49, inside a classroom at Agbanga Elementary School in Barangay Agbanga, Matalom, Leyte.
Police said the suspect chased his wife into the classroom of one of her co-teachers and shot her multiple times, killing her instantly. The husband fled the scene aboard a white Suzuki mini-van but was later found dead in the comfort room of their home after reportedly committing suicide.
The fatal shooting happened in front of several co-teachers and 135 pupils, police said.
Just a week earlier, on October 16, a similar incident occurred in Tanauan, Leyte, where another female teacher was shot and wounded by her estranged husband inside the school premises. The suspect was later arrested.
DepEd Region VIII said it is closely coordinating with the concerned Schools Division Offices, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure justice for the victims.
The regional office also reiterated its strict enforcement of DepEd Order No. 40, Child Protection Policy) and DepEd Order No. 21, (Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict), both designed to prevent violence and threats within educational institutions.
“All schools are reminded to intensify their campus security protocols, monitor visitor entry and exit, and strengthen coordination with local authorities for the safety of learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel,” the statement read.
DepEd-8 said psychosocial support and psychological first aid are being provided to affected learners and employees to help them cope with the trauma caused by the incidents.
“DepEd Region VIII remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every school is a safe, peaceful, and nurturing space for learning,” the statement added, urging communities and parents to promote vigilance, compassion, and a culture of nonviolence.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
