PASIG CITY, July 5, 2019 – The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly denounces the slay of a Grade 7 student at Castor Alviar National High School in Masili, Calamba City, noontime of July 4, 2019.

The suspect, who climbed the school’s barricade as revealed by CCTV footage, shot the victim in the head. School officials and personnel immediately sought the help of barangay officials and the police, and rushed the victim to the nearest hospital.

The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Calamba City, in close coordination with the local Philippine National Police (PNP), is currently conducting an investigation on the motive of the suspect. School operations will resume on July 8, 2019.

DepEd extends its sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of the Grade 7 student who passed away at 4:00 p.m. on the same day. Officials of Castor Alviar National High School have already reached out to the victim’s family and assured them that they will be given the necessary assistance in settling the hospital bill and burial expenses.

The school shall likewise engage the Regional and Division Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) coordinators, guidance counselors, and nurses, together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, to conduct psychological debriefing to address the traumatic effects of the incident to learners and school personnel.

It will also gather its School Governing Council, including its Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), to discuss the strengthening of security inside and within the school premises.

Finally, the Department assures the public of its commitment to improve school safety and security, and calls on all stakeholders including the community, the local government, and law enforcement agencies, to help in ensuring that schools continue to be a zone of peace and a safe and nurturing environment for the learners.

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