TACLOBAN CITY — Police have arrested two men in connection with the killing of an elementary school head teacher whose body was found bearing multiple injuries in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar, authorities said.
The victim, Anthony Yakit Pardillan, 36, head teacher of Naga Elementary School and a resident of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar, was discovered dead on the evening of June 6 in Barangay Alang-alang, of said town.
The killing has shocked the local education community, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office to condemn the attack and call for the swift delivery of justice.
According to police investigators, information recovered from Pardillan’s cellphone led authorities to two suspects identified by their aliases “Ryan” and “Rick,” who were allegedly among the last persons seen with the victim before his death.
Investigators said cellphone records showed that Pardillan had been communicating with “Ryan” and had arranged to meet him. Witnesses later reported seeing the educator riding on a motorcycle driven by the suspect, accompanied by another man identified as “Rick.”
Police believe the suspects initially demanded money from the victim. When he failed to provide the amount they wanted, he was allegedly assaulted, resulting in fatal injuries.
The two suspects have been taken into police custody and are expected to face murder charges.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crime and determine whether other individuals may have been involved.
In a statement, DepEd Region VIII expressed grief over the death of the educator and strongly denounced the violence.
“DepEd Region VIII strongly condemns all forms of violence and any act that threatens the safety, dignity, and well-being of our educators, personnel, learners, and communities,” the agency said.
The department said the Schools Division Office of Eastern Samar is coordinating closely with law enforcement authorities and expressed confidence that justice will be served.
DepEd also extended its condolences to Pardillan’s family, friends, colleagues, and students, describing his death as a loss not only to the school community but also to the public education sector.
The agency reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of teachers and other education personnel while the criminal proceedings move forward.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
