PASIG CITY, July 26, 2019 – It is with shock and sorrow that the Department of Education (DepEd) condemns the shooting of a school principal and a schools division officer in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on July 25.

Arthur Cordevilla Bayawa, principal at Guihulngan National High School-Poblacion, and Ardale Cordevilla Bayawa, Curriculum Implementation Division chief in the Schools Division Office of Guihulngan City, were shot to death by suspects who forced entry into the siblings’ house. The responding police and rescue team rushed the victims to Guihulngan District Hospital where they were declared dead on arrival.

Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones immediately instructed the Regional Director and the Schools Division Superintendent to submit situation reports as well as to obtain an investigation report from the authorities.

As the Department extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Education chief has already mobilized the Department to generate the necessary official and voluntary assistance to be provided to the siblings’ family.

Likewise, DepEd calls on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and looks forward to results that will bring the perpetrators to justice. DepEd enjoins the community, local officials, and law enforcement agencies to work hand in hand to ensure peace and unity amid the recent spate of killings in the province.

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