DepEd chief appeals for release of 3 teachers

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) and a militant teachers group over the weekend appealed to the kidnappers of three public school teachers in Zamboanga Sibugay to release the educators and spare them harassment or violence. In a telephone interview on Sunday, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus appealed to the kidnappers to immediately release of Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Iñon, and Naimi Mandi – who were taken at gunpoint by four men while aboard a motorized banca at around 3:45 p.m. last Friday. "We condemn all forms and acts of violence and harassment inflicted on hapless teachers as we appeal for justice and asked lawless elements to spare our schools, our teachers and our children. They perform a noble role in nation-building and are indispensable instruments for lasting peace and prosperity. They should be protected, not harmed," Lapus said. The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) also expressed its alarm over the kidnappings of public school teachers in Mindanao. "These lawless elements should spare the teachers of their criminal activities," TDC National chairperson Benjo Basas said in a statement. "Let us not forget that there are innocent victims of these bandits still in captivity in jungles of Mindanao- the ICRC volunteers, the Sri Lankan peace advocate and another group of three teachers from Zamboanga City." "Is the government really incapable to address this issue?" he added. "This issue involving the kidnapped teachers and how the government has so far responded presents how the government appreciates its teachers." The provincial police, meanwhile, have created Task Force Bangkaw-Bangkaw to focus on rescuing the teachers. The three came from the the Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in the Naga town. This is the second kidnapping incident in Zamboanga involving teachers this year. Last January 23, Landang-gua Elementary School teachers Rachel Mayorada, Freires Quizon, and Janette de los Reyes were reported to have been en route to work when they were intercepted by armed men and taken to the nearby Basilan Island. Last week, Rebelyn Pitao, a Davao City teacher was abducted, raped, and murdered. Pitao was the daughter of Leoncio Pitao, alias Commander Parago of the New People's Army. Lapus said the latest incident would only do more harm to the government’s effort to reach out to poor communities and uplift the quality of education in the region. - GMANews.TV