Teacher dies after being gunned down by student over 'INC' mark

A teacher was shot dead by his student over an incomplete mark.

The suspect is a 20-year-old student from Balabagan Trade School in Barangay Narra, Lanao del Sur. He is now detained at Balabagan Municipal Police Station.

In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, police lieutenant Albert Alarde said that the incident occurred outside the school premises on Aug. 4. Teacher Danilo Barba was on his way to school when he was shot in the back of his head using a caliber .45 pistol. 

Per Alarde, the suspect—who is an incoming second-year college student—did not receive a failing grade, but an "INC" or incomplete mark for Barba's subject. 

"Ang advice sa kaniya, see the guidance counselor," he continued.

Initial investigation showed anger as one of the possible motives of the suspect.

The Division of Lanao Sur II said on Aug. 7 that the suspect reportedly hid in Marogong but was eventually convinced by one of his relatives, who is also a police officer, to turn himself in to authorities.

The student is now placed under police custody while the investigation is ongoing.

"Nag-file po kami ng kaso sa city prosecutor's office sa Marawi, and then it's up to the prosecution office to litigate the person para malaman natin 'yung haba ng pagkabilanggo," Alarde said. A hearing is yet to be scheduled for his case.

The Division of Lanao Sur II "strongly condemned" the incident. 

"We strongly condemn this senseless and violent act that took away the life of an educator who committed himself to the service of our learners and the community. 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," its statement read.

"May justice be served without delay. The Schools Division Office stands united in calling for a thorough investigation and for all those responsible to be held accountable to the full extent of the law," it added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Sir Danilo’s loved ones during this difficult time."