DepEd official shot dead in Pagadian

PAGADIAN CITY — A Department of Education (DepEd) official in Region 9 was shot dead in his residence near the Zamboanga del Sur National High School early yesterday morning shortly before President Arroyo arrived here to attend a wedding ceremony.

Police identified the victim as Said Brien Tandong, 51, a regional Physical Education superintendent. He sustained several gunshot wounds.

Superintendent Karim Muamil, Zamboanga del Sur police director, ordered his men to conduct an immediate investigation into the killing and identify the gunman and possibly the mastermind.

A reliable source, who requested anonymity, told The STAR that Tandong had filed a case with the Ombudsman against a regional DepEd official in 2003.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo urged the military and the police to solve the killings of journalists here and sustain peace and order in the city and Region 9.

In a media forum held at the Camela Hotel here, members of the Pagadian Press Club disclosed that four broadcast journalists were killed here.

Mrs. Arroyo said the identification of the suspects does not mean the crimes are solved.

The President was accompanied in his visit by Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo and Pagadian Mayor Samuel Co.

She proceeded to Dipolog City for another meeting with local officials. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe