COTABATO CITY – Authorities in Lanao del Sur have intensified security measures around Balabagan Trade School following the fatal shooting of a teacher by a student who confessed to committing the crime over a failing grade.
Police Col. Caezar Cabuhat, provincial police director, confirmed in a radio interview that Grade 11 student “Kaizer” was arrested after several witnesses—including the school principal and a tricycle driver—identified him as the gunman.
The suspect later surrendered through his uncle, a police officer.
During the inquest proceedings, Cabuhat said the student openly admitted to shooting his teacher, Danilo Barba Jr., in retaliation for receiving a failing mark.
“The suspect admitted that he shot his teacher because he gave him a failing grade,” Cabuhat told DXMS Radio, expressing disbelief over the motive.
Barba, originally from Trento, Agusan del Sur, was gunned down in front of the school in Barangay Narra on the morning of August 4. He died on the spot from gunshot wounds inflicted by a .45-caliber pistol.
The incident has sparked fear and outrage among educators in the area.
Cabuhat revealed that several teachers had considered mass resignation, but were persuaded to stay after assurances of increased police and military presence.
“When I talked to the town mayor, the principal, and the teachers, and told them the police and the Army would be deployed as peacekeepers, they changed their minds,” Cabuhat said.
To prevent further violence, authorities have implemented strict security protocols at the school, including inspections of students, staff, and visitors at the entrance gate. (PNA)
