The Department of Education – Negros Occidental in a statement issued Monday, October 23, expressed its “profound sorrow for the devastating incident” at Payao National High School in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, that caused the death of a Grade 12 learner on October 19.
A male Grade 12 learner was physically assaulted by another learner with the help of his two siblings and two unidentified individuals, resulting in the victim’s tragic death later that day, the DepEd said.
“We strongly condemn this atrocity which now puts the school, the personnel, and the learners in a bad light”, it said.
DepEd Neg. Occ. is taking all the necessary steps to shed light on the matter and eventually to give justice to the aggrieved, it said.
The DepEd said it is committed to supporting the victim’s family and accounting for those responsible for the crime they committed.
It recognizes the immediate actions of the school administration and staff together with the Binalbagan local government unit, the DepEd said.
The school will continue to cooperate with local law enforcement officers in its ongoing investigation until justice is served, the DepEd added.
The DepEd assured everyone that the safety and well-being of the learners is its top priority.
Security measures and policies in all schools under its jurisdiction will be reviewed and enhanced to ensure that similar incidents will not happen again in any school in the division, the DepEd said.
To bring back normalcy in the school community, psychosocial support services will be made available to students, staff, and families who have been affected by this tragic loss, it said.
“We appeal to the public not to resort to bashing, public shaming, public humiliation, trial by publicity, and the like as these have already severely affected both parties, their families, the school, the personnel, the learners, and others who have a stake in this incident.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the students involved,” the DepEd added.*