THE DEPARTMENT of Education denounced the killing of a teacher from Himamaylan National High School in Negros Occidental who was supposed to serve in the elections on Monday.

Mercy Besa Miguel was gunned down in Barangay Caradio-an on Sunday night. She was on her way home with her husband when their motorcycle was stopped by unidentified men along Crossing Calasa.

Miguel was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Though it is unclear yet if such brutality was election-related, we denounce any acts of violence and injustice towards our teachers, who have dedicated their lives to the Filipino children and are now selflessly serving the country in this year’s election,” DepEd said in a statement.

The education department extended its condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the victim.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones instructed the Office of the Undersecretary for Finance to provide financial and other necessary assistance to the teacher’s family.

DepEd Election Task Force Chairman and Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua is also coordinating with the concerned field offices and local officials to investigate the incident.

“We call on the local authorities in Negros Occidental to deliver swift justice for such heinous crime against our dearly departed colleague. Likewise, we reiterate our call to our partner agencies, especially the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to protect our teachers, poll workers, and voters,” DepEd said.

“Violence is not and should not be part of the process of democracy. Together, let us stay vigilant and reinforce a free, peaceful, and credible election for this nation,” the agency added.