Teacher gets death threats

CEBU, Philippines -  A threat on the life of a teacher at the Canduman Elementary School in Mandaue City alarmed teachers and students alike yesterday, interrupting classes, as some parents wasted no time in fetching their children.

Grade four teacher Gemma Mercado found a letter addressed to her on a bookshelf in her classroom at around 8:45 a.m. yesterday which stated bombs were planted in her home as well as in her siblings’ residence, and at the school were she teaches, PO1 Ryan Diamada of the Canduman police station said.

The police and the SWAT came but found nothing in the three places mentioned in the letter.

Benjamin Tiongzon, the administrative officer of the Department of Education Division Office in Mandaue City, said some students may have gone home but classes resumed for those who stayed.

“Gi-disclose man gud pagbasa sa teacher busa nahibaw-an ug kadtong gipangkuha sa mga ginikanan gitugtan na lang natong makauli apan pabilin tong wa kuhaa sa ginikanan, apan wa dyud ma-suspend ang klase kagahapon,” Tiongzon said.

Tiongzon said prior to the incident, Mercado had reprimanded a student and suspects the letter might have come from the student.

“Nangasaba man gud daw ni siya og estudyante apan dili gud ingon nga kasaba dyud, pahimangnu lang ba, ambot unsa sad kaha ang gisumbong sa estudyante,” Tiongzon said.

Police chief P/Insp. Zosimo Sabas said there are no suspects yet since an investigation is yet to start.

He said charges will be filed once the letter writer has been identified. –(FREEMAN)