Teacher killed, students shot in a week of school violence

August 11, 2025 | 6:19pm

MANILA, Philippines — Three separate incidents of school-based violence across Mindanao and Luzon have taken place within a week, including a shooting incident in Nueva Ecija and a teacher’s killing in Lanao del Sur.

The shooting of a 15-year-old student inside a classroom in Nueva Ecija last week — one of three incidents that have rattled DepEd recently — had prompted Education Secretary Sonny Angara to remind schools to strictly enforce security measures on campus, according to an August 8 memorandum addressed to all field offices and school heads.

Teacher shot over failing grade

On August 4, Danilo Barba Jr., a teacher at Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur, was fatally shot by a lone gunman wielding a .45-caliber pistol just outside the school premises.

Authorities have identified the suspect as “Kaizer,” a Grade 11 student, who was arrested following the incident.

The student confessed to the crime during the inquest proceeding and said he shot his teacher because of a failing grade, according to Lanao del Sur police director Col. Caezar Cabuhat.

Murder-suicide attempt in Nueva Ecija classroom

On August 7, a 15-year-old female student, identified only as “Lea,” was shot in the neck by a male student, alias “Leo,” inside their classroom during a class break.

The 18-year-old male student also turned the gun on himself. He has since passed away.

The female student is currently in a coma.

It was this incident that prompted the DepEd to issue the August 8 memorandum reminding schools to strictly enforce its security protocols to prevent school-based violence.

“In view of recent incidents involving school-based violence, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its commitment to maintaining safe and protective learning environments for all learners, teachers, and school personnel,” the memorandum read.

The memo directed all regional offices, schools division offices, and school heads to intensify its safety measures on campus, including strict enforcement of security protocols such as inspecting belongings upon entry, increased visibility of security personnel, and regulating access through controlled entry and exit points.

The DepEd memo also reminded schools to strengthen reporting mechanisms for incidents of child abuse, exploitation, discrimination, violence, threats, bullying, and gang-related violence.

Grade 3 student beaten by high schoolers

On August 10, nine-year-old Jonard Ensipido, a Grade 3 pupil at Maria Cristina Falls Elementary School, was allegedly mauled by five high school students in Iligan City.

The child, who lives in Purok 30, Zone 12, was reportedly on his way home when he was attacked by the teenagers.

A viral social media post says he remains in intensive care at Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

DepEd did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We will update this article with their response.

Gatchalian has expressed alarm over the “disturbing” incident in Iligan City and what appears to be worsening youth violence in schools.

“It is equally disturbing that high school students are allegedly responsible. It seems that the violence our students are capable of committing at a young age is getting worse and worse,” the senator said in mixed English and Filipino.

The senator — as chairperson of the Senate basic education committee — has repeatedly flagged the number of bullying cases in schools and the country’s weak implementation of its anti-bullying law or Republic Act 10627, which was passed in 2013.