Lanao del Sur Teacher Shot Dead in Balabagan Town
COTABATO CITY — A teacher in Lanao del Sur was shot dead by a lone gunman while walking toward Barangay Nara in Balabagan town at 8 a.m. on Monday, police sources said. The tragic killing shocked the local community and education sector alike.
Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal strongly condemned the incident involving Danilo Barba, 34, a resident of Trento, Agusan del Sur, and a dedicated instructor at Balabagan Trade School. “It is with deep sorrow that the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) condemns the tragic killing of (Barba), a dedicated teacher of Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur, who was mercilessly shot and killed in the morning of August 4, 2025,” Iqbal said in an official statement.
Condemnation and Call for Justice
“This act of violence against an educator — someone who devotes his life to shaping the minds and futures of our youth — is both painful and unacceptable,” Iqbal added. He emphasized that teachers are pillars of the community, and their safety must always be protected. “Any harm against them is a threat to the values of education, peace, and public service,” he said.
The Education Minister urged law enforcement to promptly identify and apprehend those responsible, stressing the need to prevent similar attacks on educators in the future. His office joins the entire education community in mourning the loss of a committed teacher who served not just as an instructor but as a beacon of hope and learning.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Local leaders noted the growing concern for the safety of educators in conflict-affected areas like Lanao del Sur. The incident has raised calls for increased protection measures to ensure teachers can perform their duties without fear. “Teachers dedicate their lives to our children. Their safety is essential for lasting peace and development,” the community said.
The tragic death of Danilo Barba serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by educators in volatile regions. Authorities continue their investigation to bring justice to the victim and restore a sense of security for the community.
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