DepEd condemns killing of teacher, wounding of pupil in Bulacan

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor – PNA News

MANILA — The Department of Education (Deped) said it “does not condone such display of violence in schools”, referring to the shooting incident that killed an elementary teacher and wounded a pupil in Bulacan.

In a statement late Wednesday, DepEd assured the public that it is consistently working with law enforcement agencies and strengthening necessary measures to ensure that schools continue to be a safe environment for its personnel and learners.

Reports said 40-year-old Ruperto Datwin, a member of the Philippine Army, shot to death his live in-partner Melody Esber, 33, a teacher at the Tambubong Elementary School.

Datwin killed himself after shooting Esber at her chest with a handgun in front of her pupils, where nine-year-old Raine Julian was wounded on his shoulder during the incident.

DepEd extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Esber and Datwin. It also confirmed that Julian was wounded and is now in stable condition.

The rest of Esber’s students who witnessed the crime are now undergoing psychological debriefing facilitated by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Bulacan’s medical team.

“The SDO of Bulacan, in close coordination with the Philippine National Police-Bulacan, is conducting an investigation on the motive of the suspect. Officials of Tambubong Elementary School have already reached out to the victim’s family to identify and provide the necessary assistance,” the department said. 

Popular

Palace questions credibility of citizen complaint submitted to ICI

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet On the heels of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) receipt of a letter of sentiment from a private citizen on...

PBBM hails dedication to public service of 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “They remind us that integrity and excellence must be at the heart of the work that we all do.” Amid the various...

Palace supports calls for ICI empowerment

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon ang nararamdaman ng mga businessman kaya po patuloy ang ginagawang pag-iimbestiga, at patuloy ang...

PBBM encourages Filipinos to remain prepared for disasters

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Higit sa pagbangon o pagresponde, mas mahalaga ang maging handa.” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and...