Student Arrested After Killing Teacher Over Failing Grades in Lanao del Sur
MARAWI CITY — Authorities arrested a 20-year-old Grade 11 student in Lanao del Sur six days after he allegedly shot and killed his teacher at Balabagan Trade School. The motive reportedly stemmed from the student receiving failing grades.
Col. Caesar Cabuhat, the provincial police director, confirmed that the suspect, identified only as “alias Kaizer,” was surrendered by his own brother, who serves as a police officer in the area. Officials reported that the suspect admitted to the crime, driven by personal resentment toward the teacher after being given a failing mark.
“After hiding among relatives in Marogong town, the suspect was turned over to authorities by his brother,” Cabuhat said.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The fatal shooting occurred on August 4, Monday, when the victim, 34-year-old teacher Danilo Barba, was entering the school campus in Barangay Narra, Balabagan. The suspect allegedly used a .45 caliber pistol to shoot Barba.
Community members, including teachers, bystanders, and nearby tricycle drivers, quickly identified the suspect. He reportedly acted alone and fled the scene on his motorcycle. Authorities filed murder charges against the student the following day.
Concerns Over Teacher Safety After the Incident
Despite the arrest, several teachers who had also given the student failing grades expressed concerns for their safety. Police officials met with school administrators last week to discuss security measures, especially with the upcoming enrollment period approaching.
“The suspect assured us that he holds no personal grudges against other teachers aside from Barba,” Cabuhat noted.
Official Condemnation of the Violence
On Monday, the Schools Division Office of Lanao del Sur II and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) strongly condemned the violent act. Lanao del Sur II Schools Division Superintendent Rubina Mimbantas Macabunar described the killing as a senseless tragedy that robbed the community of a dedicated educator.
MBHTE Minister Mohager Iqbal expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This act of violence against an educator, someone who devoted his life to shaping the minds and future of our youth is both painful and unacceptable. Teachers are pillars of our communities and their safety must be safeguarded at all times. There is no place in our society for brutality, especially against those whose mission is to nurture and uplift the lives of others through education.”
Community members continue to call for strengthened protections for educators to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For more news and updates on teacher safety in Lanao del Sur, visit Filipinokami.com.
