DAVAO CITY – The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has expressed alarm over the shooting incident in Pikit, North Cotabato in which a 13-year-old student was killed and two other students were wounded on Valentine’s Day.
“The killing of innocent children is unacceptable and must stop,” said UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary in a statement sent to the media.
Noubary added that children must be protected at all times and their best interests must be the guiding principles in every action by government and the community.
“In situations of violence and conflict children continue to pay a heavy price,” Noubary said. “Conflict robs children of their life and childhood. Violence threatens children’s lives and well-being. They are denied access to education and essential services and live in an atmosphere of fear. We need to end violence. Children are zones of peace.”
The victims were on their way home to Barangay Macabual from the Pikit National High School when they were waylaid by the suspects from behind upon reaching Barangay Gli-gli.
Pikit National High School is about seven kilometers away from Barangay Macabual.
The incident forced Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan to cancel all classes in the municipality from Feb. 15 to 17 to ensure the safety and security of the people.