EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara yesterday urged law enforcement authorities to find and arrest the killer of the second highest-ranking education official in Sulu province last Friday.
Angara said the department is saddened by the killing of Dr. Sonatria Gaspar, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Sulu who was shot dead in her office in Barangay San Raymundo in Jolo, Sulu.
Investigators said Gaspar was about to leave the compound where her office was located when an unidentified man approached her, pulled out a pistol and repeatedly shot her in the head.
Her assailant fled the crime scene amid the commotion caused by the gunshots.
She died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the grieving community she has left behind,” Angara said in a brief statement.
“This incident is an attack on our education system. This has no place in our learning spaces, in our communities, and our society. We commit to the safety, security, and protection of our educators, wherever they are in the country. We join our colleagues in BARMM in calling for swift justice and accountability,” he added.
The DepEd chief said Gaspar’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of quality education in Sulu has inspired thousands of learners, her colleagues and entire communities.
“Her senseless passing robs us of her contributions. This violence steals futures of potential impact, leaving an absence that will be profoundly felt,” Angara said.
He said the DepEd is in communication with Gaspar’s kin and colleagues for assistance.
At the same time, Angara said the incident will not affect the delivery of education in Sulu.
“The DepEd will continue to support our counterparts to build a peaceful environment for education in the region. Our shared mission is bigger than this violence,” he added.
