The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Negros Occidental is mourning the campus shooting in the southern town of Hinoba-an that claimed the lives of a school principal, a female teacher, and her husband.
“(The division) is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting incident that happened at Bilbao Uybico National High School yesterday (April 12) morning,” the DepEd-Negros Occidental said in a statement on Wednesday.
Based on the initial police investigation, principal Warren Escosar, 56, who was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, fired at teacher Almarisa Arroy and husband Christopher, both 35, when they arrived around 8 a.m.
According to witnesses, Christopher was hit first and his wife tried to seek shelter inside a classroom, but the suspect followed and shot her as well.
Escosar then went to his vehicle and killed himself using a .45 caliber pistol.
Classes were ongoing during the incident, terrifying other teachers and students over what they have witnessed, according to reports.
In a media interview, Maj. John Ganzon, chief of Hinoba-an Municipal Police Station,said the teacher was scheduled to visit the station on Tuesday to file sexual harassment charges against the principal.
Meanwhile, the DepEd-Negros Occidental said since the case is now under investigation, it does not wish to preempt the result and will await the official pronouncements of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“DepEd-Negros Occidental is working closely with other agencies and offices in dealing with the situation. We also commit to bring back normalcy in the school community by providing psychological interventions to the students and personnel who witnessed and are affected by the tragedy,” it added.
As it offers sincerest condolences to the bereaved families, DepEd-Negros Occidental appealed to everyone to exercise prudence in expressing views and opinions on the incident with respect to the families of the victims.
“We strongly condemn all forms of violence occurring, particularly in schools. We commit to the principle that schools are zones of peace where the safety and well-being of leaners and personnel are of utmost importance,” it added.
Source: Philippines News Agency