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. (PNA)
