The Department of Education (DepEd) said activities of communist rebels in Masbate have reached an “alarming rate,” disrupting learning in the province.
The DepEd said in a statement that “These acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel, who witnessed the senseless violence.”
The DepEd, however, noted that there will be “no blanket suspension of classes” since it tasked its regional office in Bicol and schools division office in Masbate to ensure learning continuity.
The education department stressed that suspension of in-person classes and the shift to blended learning would depend on the decision of the school heads or principals, upon due assessment and right coordination with the local government units involved.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte is scheduled to visit affected places in Masbate.
The DepEd said that Duterte is also coordinating with the Army Division Commander, who has committed to protect school personnel and learners in the area.
“DepEd remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas,” the statement added.
— Ronald Espartinez