The Manila Times

Soldiers escort teachers in NCotabato

BY FRANZ R. SUMANGIL

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has started providing security escorts to public school teachers in critical villages of the town of Pikit in North Cotabato.

The military made the move in reaction to the recent killing of a teacher and wounding of another in the municipality.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion commander, on Wednesday said his unit also deployed motorcycle-riding soldiers in full battle gear to protect public school teachers as they travel to their respective schools and on their way home.

“The Department of Education has been alarmed by the attacks against teachers in Pikit, so we are here providing them security,” Gavilanes also said.

On May 26, unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked and killed Joel Reformado, a teacher at the Damalasak Elementary School in Pikit, and injured his co-teacher Elton John Lapinid, while both were onboard a motorbike.

They were among the victims of gun attacks that have hit the town since last year.

The local police listed more than 30 victims of shooting in different villages of Pikit.

Education officials have condemned the killing of Reformado and urged authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of teachers and students.

Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has ordered all barangay (village) chairmen to come up with their own security plan and address the threats confronting their respective areas.

Regions

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2023-06-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281736978837317

The Manila Times