Elementary School Principal in Critical Condition After Being Shot in Front of Campus
An elementary school principal was reportedly shot in front of campus she serves in Midsayap, Cotabato.
On Tuesday morning (August 12, 2025), a school principal was shot right in front of the elementary school she serves. The victim was identified as Arlyn Dofredo Alcebar, a resident of Barangay Poblacion 5 and principal of Agriculture Elementary School.
Police reports say the incident happened around 7:10 a.m. while Alcebar was driving her dark red Toyota Rush past the school. Two men on a motorcycle overtook her vehicle and, without warning, fired several shots using a .45 caliber pistol.
Authorities rushed to the scene after receiving the report. The principal sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately taken to Dr. Amado B. Diaz Provincial Foundation Hospital for urgent medical care.
Investigators recovered eight fired cartridges and one slug from the scene. The Midsayap Municipal Police Station quickly launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects.
The authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and coordinating with the Philippine Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and surrounding checkpoints in hopes of identifying the gunmen.
Police have also increased their presence around the school to ensure the safety of teachers, students, and staff. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, and authorities are also gathering more details from the victim.
Th Department of Education also released a statement regarding the incident.
“We are deeply saddened and condemn this senseless act of violence, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Principal Alcebar and her family during this difficult time. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our schools and personnel,” DepEd said.
The incident comes not long after a separate case in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, where a teacher was shot dead by her own student, an event that sparked outrage and concern from the public.
In a similar post, a teacher shot dead by student over failing grade in Lanao del Sur
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
