A school principal in Midsayap, North Cotabato, was shot in front of his campus Tuesday morning, prompting an urgent response from authorities.
Police identified the victim as the head of Agriculture Elementary School. He was attacked just outside the school grounds and sustained a gunshot wound.
Mayor Rolly Sacdalan condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen act of violence against an education leader. He directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to immediately pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice.
The victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment and is now recovering. Officials have not released details on his current condition or possible motives for the attack.
The PNP and AFP have launched a joint operation to track down the assailants. Authorities are conducting follow-up investigations to establish the circumstances leading to the shooting and identify the perpetrators.
Sacdalan said the local government is fully supporting law enforcement in the manhunt and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of educators and students in the municipality.
As of press time, no arrests have been made, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could help solve the case.
This is the latest in a series of violent incidents in North Cotabato, raising concerns about security in the province’s schools and communities.
