DepEd denounces shooting incident in Nueva Ecija school

The Department of Education Central Office strongly denounced the recent incident of violence that happened at Sta. Rosa Integrated School in Nueva Ecija, in which two individuals were hurt.

In a statement issued Friday, DepEd said any form of violence, especially within or near school grounds, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

''DepEd reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protect the welfare of every learner, teacher, and school personnel. Our schools must be sanctuaries of safety and learning,'' DepEd said.

''We stand in full solidarity with the learners, teachers, and the entire school community affected by this appalling incident,'' it added.

Police earlier said a 15-year-old female student was in critical condition after her ex-boyfriend shot her inside a classroom in Barangay Rizal. The victim was shot in the neck after the 18-year-old suspect entered the classroom "without provocation."  

Citing witnesses, police narrated that the suspect drew a .22 caliber firearm from his waist and shot the victim before turning the gun on himself.

The DepEd lauded the swift response of the Schools Division Office of Nueva Ecija in working with local authorities to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. 

The agency also expressed support for the ongoing efforts to provide assistance to the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, DepEd urged all of its partners in the community to strengthen school security protocols and uphold the shared duty to make every school a zone of peace.—Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL, GMA Integrated News