The family of Loida Pagatpat, a 59-year old teacher from Palanas, Masbate who was gunned down on February 3 inside her classroom is seeking justice for their mother. According to her son, Norman Pagatpat, they don’t want other people to suffer the same fate that is why they really want a closure to the case and an eventual end of violence in their province.

“Namatay ang mama ko nang walang kalaban-laban at ayaw na naming na maulit pa ito. Marami nang pinatay sa probinsiya ng Masbate na hindi naresolba ang kaso. Ganito kabulok ang sistema ng hustisya sa probinsiyang ito. ” Pagatpat said

The family is calling on the police and DepEd authorities to assist them in seeking justice for their dear mother, who according to them was good and loyal teacher and a very loving mother.

“Ang kanyang pagkamatay ay isang sampal na kahihiyan sa departamento ng edukasyon. Ayaw nang pumasok ang kanyang mga mag-aaral dahil sa takot sa naganp na pangyayari.” He furthered.

Also, the family offered a P100, 000.00 reward to anyone who could identify their mother’s killers.

“Ganito kami kaseryoso na matapos ang kasong ito. Kahit hindi kami mayaman nakahanda kaming magbigay ng pabuya sa sinumang makapagtutro sa mga pumaslang sa aming ina.” Pagatpat ended.

Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) again called on the authorities to ensure the safety of school personnel and students in areas like Masbate which has a history of armed conflict and lawless violence.

“The family of teacher Loida, her pupils, the community and the entire education sector deserve justice because this crime is not just a crime against an individual teacher; this is an attack against the entire profession.” Basas reiterates.

The group is monitoring the case through close coordination with the family of the slain teacher. #
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Reference:
Benjo Basas, 0920-5740241/ 3853437
Norman Pagatpat, 0949-4766727/ 0928-9494118