INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has condemned the shooting of students in a school in Pikit, Cotabato that left one dead and two others wounded on Valentine’s Day.
“Hindi tayo titigil upang tukuyin at masukol ang mga suspek at magkaroon ng hustisya ang mga naging biktima at kanilang mga pamilya. Walang puwang ang mga mamamatay-tao sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lalo na ang kumikitil ng buhay ng mga bata,” Abalos said as he vowed justice for the victims.
The DILG chief ordered Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to lead the investigation.
Killed in the gun attack was Fahd Dianalan Guintawan, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student and a resident of Sitio Tambak, Bgy. Gli-gli while two others, aged 12 and 11, were wounded.
The victims are all students of of Pikit National High School .
Abalos said the DILG is now in coordination with National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on the incident.
Classes were immediately cancelled after the bloody incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. Tuesday.
“Our resolve on these heinous crimes will not dwindle as we continue to fulfill our mandate to protect the Filipinos,” Abalos said.
“Sa ngalan ng lahat ng mga kawani ng DILG at attached agencies nito, buong-puso po kaming nakikiramay sa mga nabiktima ng walang habas na pamamaril na ito na patuloy na nagdudulot ng pagkatakot at pagkabalisa sa mga mamamayan ng Pikit, Cotabato. Asahan n’yo pong kami ay makakasama ninyo sa tuluyang pagresolba sa krimeng ito kalakip ang aming pagsusumikap tungo sa pagpapaigting ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao,” he added.
