Balabagan: Police authorities in Lanao del Sur have deployed plainclothes and uniformed personnel near the lone public tertiary school in Balabagan town following the Aug. 4 killing of a school teacher. In a radio interview, Lanao del Sur police director Col. Caezar Cabuhat stated that he held a dialogue with administrators, parents, and students of Balabagan Trade School. He assured them of the police deployment to prevent future violence against school officials.
According to Philippines News Agency, Teacher Danilo Barba Jr., from Trento, Agusan del Sur, was gunned down on Monday morning in front of Balabagan Trade School in Barangay Narra by a lone gunman armed with a .45-caliber pistol. Barba was killed on the spot. Cabuhat mentioned that a Grade 11 student, identified as "Kaizer," has been arrested after witnesses, including the school principal and a tricycle driver, identified him as the attacker. The suspect surrendered through his uncle, who is a police officer and assisted authorities in locating the gunman.
During the inquest proceeding, Cabuhat expressed his shock upon hearing the suspect confess to the crime. 'The suspect admitted that he shot his teacher because he gave him a failing grade,' Cabuhat told DXMS Radio, relaying the student's confession to the prosecutor. Cabuhat disclosed that some teachers had considered a mass resignation following the incident.
However, after discussions with the town mayor, the principal, and the teachers, and assurances that the police and the Army would be deployed as peacekeepers, the teachers decided against resigning. Cabuhat added that a strict inspection among students, teachers, parents, and visitors at the school's entrance gate is being enforced to prevent a repeat of the incident.