PASSI CITY, Iloilo – An ambush in Dueñas town that claimed the life of a public school teacher has rocked Western Visayas, igniting grief, outrage, and an urgent call for justice. The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Passi City condemned the killing and assured the public that schools remain secure havens for learners and staff.
The 45-year-old victim, a teacher from Man-it Integrated School, was gunned down in front of his two children while driving his sport utility vehicle in Barangay Punong Grande around 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 30. Police said an unidentified assailant suddenly emerged from a sugarcane field and fired at the vehicle, hitting the teacher fatally in the head. His children survived unharmed.
Police Captain Francis John Layog, chief of the Dueñas Municipal Police Station, said the gunman fled on a motorcycle.
Investigators are tracking leads to determine the motive and bring the perpetrator to justice.
The attack has unsettled the education community. In a strongly-worded statement, SDO Passi City expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences and support to the bereaved family while committing full cooperation with authorities.
“We likewise assure the public that our schools remain safe spaces for learners and personnel, and that the welfare and security of our stakeholders remain the utmost priority of the Department of Education,” the statement emphasized.
The incident has prompted the rollout of crisis intervention and counselling services for students and staff affected by the violent loss. The SDO also urged residents with information about the shooting to assist law enforcement in their probe./PN
