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COTABATO CITY (SDN) — Friday, February 7, 2025, was a sad and tragic day for the Bangsamoro region, its repercussions to linger on for much longer.
On that day, Dr. Sonatria D. Gaspar, assistant superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Jolo, Sulu, was gunned down just at the entrance of the DepEd Compound along Bonifacio Street, San Raymundo, Jolo, a police report reaching SDN – SciTech and Digital News said. The fatal shooting occurred at 5:05 p.m.
Also on the same day, Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO) chief of Piki and Ligawasan Marsh Johnson K. Endil. He was a secretary of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF).
BARMM Cabinet Secretary and Spokesperson Mohammad Asnin K. Pendatun issued a statement condemning the twin but separate killings.
He said the BARMM government “strongly condemns the heinous crimes…who were murdered in separate attacks earlier today.”
Speaking for the BARMM government, he extended “deep condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues, and communities they have dutifully serves. These senseless acts of violence have no place in our society that strives for peace, justice, and progress.”
He added the Bangsamoro government is closely monitoring investigations of the two incidents and assured working with law enforcement agencies to help make sure the suspects are made accountable.
In the killing of Gaspar, Sulu is (or was) home to one of the 11 school division offices (SDOs) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) thus, it is under the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE). (Note: The Supreme Court on September 9 last year cut Sulu’s umbilical cord from the BARMM family.)
Upon learning of the incident, the MBHTE headed by Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal immediately issued a statement “strongly condemning” the attack on the educator.
“Senseless act of violence”
“The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) strongly condemns the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of Dr. Sonatria D. Gaspar, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Sulu. This senseless act of violence has left an indelible mark on the community and the education sector,” the statement of the Bangsamoro region’s education ministry said.
In relation with the killing, the MBHTE expressed oneness with those the victim left behind as extended its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this tragic loss. We call for justice and an end to violence, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible for this crime are held accountable,” the statement continued.
The education ministry assured that it’s closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities in support of ongoing investigations to help ensure that justice is served swiftly.
“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding peace, safety, and security for all members of the education sector in the region, and we will continue to work toward fostering and environment where educators and students can thrive free from fear,” the MBHTE concluded its statement.
Meanwhile, the Sulu Philippine National Police (PNP) station emphasized it is “continuously monitoring and conducting thorough investigation for the possible identification and location of the suspect.”
Pendatun called on the national government and security forces to heighten efforts to ensure safety of Bangsamoro officials and the Bangsamoro people. — (EKU) — (/)