MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced that it will conduct its own probe on the shooting of a teacher who was distributing learning modules in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on October 16.
In a statement, CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed their concern and worry over this act of violence, reportedly made by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
De Guia said that an investigation is already underway by the CHR Caraga Office regarding the incident. She went on to urge the local authorities to make immediate action to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
“Ayon sa International Humanitarian Law, hindi kailanman katanggap-tanggap ang karahasan laban sa mga sibilyan, lalo na’t ang biktima ay isang guro at maituturing na lingkod bayan, (According to International Humanitarian Law, violence against civilians is never acceptable, especially since the victim is a teacher and is considered a public servant),” she said.
Earlier, the Surigao Del Sur Police Provincial Office condemned the shooting incident and pointed at the NPAs as the culprit.
They wrote, "A DEDICATED Teacher religiously performed his duty for the benefits of his students but was destroyed by the NPAs."
According to the report, last October 16, 2020 at about 1:15PM, Eli Canonigo Apacible, School Principal of Hitaob Elementary School, Purok Hitaob, Brgy. Awasian, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur was bringing learning modules for distribution when he was cornered by members of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTGs).
The authorities said it was a case of mistaken identity as the perpetrators thought the teacher was part of the government troops. The report described, "They mistakenly identified him as one of the government troops and suddenly sniped him hitting his head."
— Sally, The Summit Express
 |
| Eli Canonigo Apacible of Hitaob Elementary School was bringing learning modules for distribution when he was shot by members of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTGs). |
In a statement, CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed their concern and worry over this act of violence, reportedly made by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
De Guia said that an investigation is already underway by the CHR Caraga Office regarding the incident. She went on to urge the local authorities to make immediate action to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
“Ayon sa International Humanitarian Law, hindi kailanman katanggap-tanggap ang karahasan laban sa mga sibilyan, lalo na’t ang biktima ay isang guro at maituturing na lingkod bayan, (According to International Humanitarian Law, violence against civilians is never acceptable, especially since the victim is a teacher and is considered a public servant),” she said.
Earlier, the Surigao Del Sur Police Provincial Office condemned the shooting incident and pointed at the NPAs as the culprit.
They wrote, "A DEDICATED Teacher religiously performed his duty for the benefits of his students but was destroyed by the NPAs."
According to the report, last October 16, 2020 at about 1:15PM, Eli Canonigo Apacible, School Principal of Hitaob Elementary School, Purok Hitaob, Brgy. Awasian, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur was bringing learning modules for distribution when he was cornered by members of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTGs).
The authorities said it was a case of mistaken identity as the perpetrators thought the teacher was part of the government troops. The report described, "They mistakenly identified him as one of the government troops and suddenly sniped him hitting his head."
— Sally, The Summit Express
