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May 9, 2022 – The Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemns the shooting of a teacher from Himamaylan National High School in Negros Occidental, who was set to serve in the 2022 National and Local Elections.

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.

We extend our 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. 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. Likewise, we reiterate our call to our partner agencies, especially the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to protect our teachers, poll workers, and voters.

Violence is not and should not be part of the process of democracy. Together, let us stay vigilant and reinforce a free, peaceful, and credible election for this nation.

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