Security at a school in Agoncillo, Batangas has been tightened as interventions are put in place following the killing of a 13-year-old Grade 8 student who was shot in the head on her way to school. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) has condemned the April 17, 2024 killing. 

“Unfortunate and saddened po 'yung nangyari doon especially Grade 8 ano, on her way to school. Nakikipag-coordinate kami sa magulang, nakikipag-coordinate kami sa authorities, kung ano po ang puwedeng maitulong on the part po ng DepEd,” Atty. Karen Salimo, Legal Officer of DepEd Division of Batangas, said.

Salimo said counseling has been offered to students in the school to help them cope with trauma and find peace of mind.

“Hindi lang po doon sa nandodoon [na students] sa vicinity but ginawa natin sa buong school na po para maalis na po 'yung mga trauma at magkaroon ng peace of mind sa mga bata,” Salimo said.

Some parents expressed fear for their children's safety, prompting increased vigilance from school security guards and barangay personnel.

“Tutukan ko ang aking apo or anak para bantayan ko siya dito paglabas pa lang ng room. Talaga naman po ina-advise na ang mga bata ay susunduin,” Luz Alpay, a guardian, said.

“Siyempre po natakot po para po sa aking mga anak. Kailangan po laging safe kaya po kahit mainit ang panahon, nagpapakahirap po kami para masundo lang ang aking anak,” Janel Amol, a parent, said.

The police have identified a person of interest who was reportedly wearing a black jacket, denim pants, and slippers and was riding a motorcycle.

 “Yun pong personal motive po ay wala tayong nakikitang ganoon, [pero] meron tayong tinitingnang anggulo, it could be a mistaken identity na may ibang target 'yung ating suspect, it just so happen na may pagkakatulad ata ang ating biktima siguro doon sa kanyang target,” PMAJ. Broderick Noprada, Chief of Agoncillo Police Station, said.

Investigation into the case continues, as of this writing.