The shooting of a teacher, who was set to serve in the 2022 National and Local Elections, was strongly condemned by the Department of Education (DepEd) and fellow teachers on Monday, May 9.
“Violence is not and should not be part of the process of democracy,” DepEd said in a statement on the shooting of a teacher from Himamaylan National High School in Negros Occidental.
“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,” DepEd added.
DepEd also extended its 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
“We call on the local authorities in Negros Occidental to deliver swift justice for such heinous crime against our dearly departed colleague,” DepEd said.
DepEd also reiterated its call to other partner agencies, especially the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect teachers, poll workers, and voters.
“Together, let us stay vigilant and reinforce a free, peaceful, and credible election for this nation,” DepEd said.
In a separate statement, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) also denounced the incident.
“Walang puwang ang karahasan sa sibilisadong lipunan (There is no room for violence in civilized society),” TDC said.
The group also urged the authorities to ensure that justice will be given to the victim. “Muli, mariin nating kinokondena ang karahasang ito at umaasa kami na makakamit ng biktima ang katarungan (Again, we strongly condemn this violence and we hope that the victim will achieve justice),” TDC said.