SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has condemned the killing of retired school teachers Edwin Daquil Galeno and Elsa Bermejo Galeno in Banisila, Cotabato, and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Gatchalian described the killing of the elderly couple as a grave crime that must not go unpunished, particularly given their years of service as public school teachers.

“I strongly condemn the killing of retired school teachers Edwin Daquil Galeno and Elsa Bermejo Galeno from the town of Banisila, Cotabato,” Gatchalian said.

“Hindi natin dapat pinapalagpas ang mga karumal-dumal na krimen sa mga nakatatanda, kabilang ang mga retiradong gurong nagsilbi nang tapat at marangal sa ating bayan,” he added.

The Senate president urged law enforcement authorities to immediately track down and arrest the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Gatchalian also called on the concerned local government unit to extend all possible assistance to the victims’ family as they cope with the loss.

He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the community affected by the killings.