TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned the shooting of a teacher inside the Tanauan School of Craftsmanship and Home Industries (TSCHI) campus in Leyte on Thursday and called for a thorough investigation on the incident.
Elizabeth Mandreza, 48, a resident of Barangay Santo Niño, was shot by her estranged husband on Thursday morning.
The victim sustained a bullet wound in her right shoulder and was taken to a hospital in Tacloban City by a co-teacher, according to the police.
The suspect, Adam Mandreza, 46, was arrested at the scene. He was armed with a bladed weapon, locally known as a "balisong" (butterfly knife), and was attempting to harm himself when the police arrived.
In a statement late Thursday, the DepEd-Leyte division said it is coordinating with the Philippine National Police and authorities to ensure that the assailant is brought to justice.
It also directed the submission of a comprehensive incident report and dispatched an investigation team to look into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Psychosocial support services will be made available to affected students and personnel throughout the week, according to DepEd.
“The safety and welfare of learners and personnel remain the Division’s highest priority,” the DepEd said. “The Department reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, peaceful, and supportive learning environment in all schools under its supervision.”
DepEd announced the temporary suspension of in-person classes at TSCHI following the incident.
Lessons will continue through the alternative delivery mode to provide learners time for psychological recovery.
Regular face-to-face classes are expected to resume on Oct. 21 since Oct. 20 is a local holiday in the province for the 81st Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim was inside the school premises when the suspect entered and, without warning, shot her using a homemade .38 caliber revolver.
Police said the firearm was later recovered on the roof of a nearby building where it was thrown by the suspect.
Authorities confirmed that the couple had separated prior to the incident.
Police said the suspect, who claimed jealousy as a motive, will face charges of frustrated parricide. (PNA)