THE DEPARTMENT of Education condemned the killing of one teacher and wounding of another in Pikit, Cotabato last week.

Reports said that the victims, Joel Reformado and Elton Lapined, were cruising the provincial road onboard a motorcycle when shot by unidentified men in Brgy. Manaulanan.

The Schools Division Office in Cotabato said the shooting occurred on May 26.

It said that the incident was an “act of heartless criminals who have no regard to human life.”

“Teachers play a crucial and very important role in society as they prepare the younger generation to shape the future with courage and knowledge. Teachers truly are the backbone of the society. Thus, we cannot tolerate this evil act,” it said.

The SDO also extended its sympathies to the families of the victims and called for a stop to violence.