A TEACHER who was supposed to serve as an electoral board support staff for the 2022 national and local elections on May 9, 2022 was shot dead in Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental.
Western Visayas spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis said unidentified assailants gunned down Mercy Miguel of the Himamaylan National High School around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, in Barangay Caradio-an.
He said Miguel was onboard a motorcycle with her husband when they stopped due to scattered stones on the ground. They were then fired upon by unidentified assailants.
The teacher sustained a fatal gunshot wound in the stomach, while her husband was unharmed.
Investigation is ongoing, said Solis.
The Department of Education condemned the incident.
"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," the DepEd said in a statement.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the victim... 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," it added.
DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said she has ordered their finance department to provide financial and other necessary assistance to the victim's family. (SunStar Philippines)