Masbate AFP-NPA clashes disrupt classes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) condemned yesterday what it described as an “alarming rate of communist rebel activities” that have disrupted classes in some areas in Masbate.

“The acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel who witnessed senseless violence,” DepEd said in a statement.

“DepEd remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas,” it said.

In-person classes were suspended in several schools in Masbate this week following NPA clashes with the military.

Mayflor Jumamil, DepEd-Bicol director Gilbert Sadsad said certain schools in the towns of Placer, Dimasalang, Uson and Cataingan were affected.

DepEd said there would be no blanket suspension of classes even as its regional office and the schools division office in the province were tasked to ensure continuity of learning.

“The suspension of in-person classes and immediate shift to blended learning shall be left to the discretion of the school heads or principals upon due assessment and proper coordination with concerned local government units,” the department said.

In a post on Twitter, President Marcos said he was “deeply concerned” over incidents of violence in Masbate, noting that it had ”traumatized the affected civilians who were generally school children and their teachers.”

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte opened communication lines with military officials in the area, who committed to protect school personnel and students.

Southern Luzon Command public affairs office chief Col. Denis Caña said government troopers were responding to reports on the presence of NPA rebels when the clashes occurred.

“We regret that the students and school personnel experienced the horror of being almost near the encounter between the communist terrorists groups and our soldiers,” Caña said in a statement. – Michael Punongbayan, Cet Dematera