15-year-old student kills teacher in Cagayan de Oro

MANILA, Philippines – A 15-year-old student killed his teacher in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, September 13, the Department of Education (DepEd) said in a statement.

The DepEd said on Wednesday, September 14, that Vilma Cabactulan, a teacher at the Pedro “Oloy” N. Roa National High School  in Cagayan de Oro, “was fatally stabbed by her student” on Tuesday.

Citing the report of the DepEd division in the city, the student attacked Cabactulan at 8:30 am in front of other students. 

The teacher sustained 3 stab wounds to the back and was rushed to the Madonna Hospital. She was declared dead at 10 am.

“The suspect, a minor immediately fled after the incident but later in the afternoon surrendered to the authorities,” DepEd said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, who conveyed her condolences to the family of the victim, said she was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the incident.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed that an incident such as this happened in a place of learning. The Department values the welfare and lives of all learners and employees and strives for a harmonious relationship among all members of the school community,” Briones said.

She also said the incident highlighted the need to give due attention to the “mental health” of both students and teachers.

“I would like to commend the quick action by our division and school officials.  Keeping our schools safe is a collective responsibility of our law enforcement agencies, our local governments, our communities, and the department. Perhaps it is also high time that the mental health needs of both our teachers and students are given attention,” Briones said.

The DepEd said that the Schools Division officers and principal, who immediately asked help from authorities, are attending to the needs of Cabactulan’s 3 children. They also deployed additional security to the school.  

“A stress debriefing to the students who witnessed the incident was also conducted,” the DepEd said.

Following the incident, the DepEd urged schools, families, and communities to “work together in raising children to become emotionally, mentally, and socially adjusted and apt.” (READ: National hotline for mental health assistance now open) – Rappler.com