Balabagan, Lanao del Sur — A 34-year-old teacher was shot and killed by one of his students inside the Balabagan Trade School on Monday morning, in what authorities describe as a targeted attack motivated by academic grievance.

The victim, identified as Danilo Barba, was entering the school premises in Barangay Narra at around 8:00 a.m. when the suspect, a 20-year-old Grade 11 student known by the alias “Kaizer”, confronted him and opened fire. Police reports state that the suspect used a .45 caliber pistol, shooting the teacher in the head at close range. Barba died instantly.

According to Col. Caesar Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police, the suspect admitted to the crime during interrogation. He allegedly told investigators that he was furious at the teacher for failing him in one of his subjects.

Police clarified that Barba was not the only teacher who had given the student a failing mark, but the suspect claimed he harbored resentment only toward Barba.

Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and sought refuge with relatives in the municipality of Marogong. However, with the intervention of his brother — a police officer — the suspect surrendered to authorities the following day.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and has raised concerns over the safety of educators and students alike. The attack occurred during the school’s enrollment period, prompting heightened security measures. Police and military personnel have since been deployed around the campus to ensure order and safety.

The suspect is now in custody at the Balabagan Municipal Police Station and is facing murder charges. Authorities are also investigating how the student was able to obtain and carry a high-caliber firearm inside the school grounds.

Community leaders, educators, and parents have condemned the killing, calling for stronger measures to address campus security and prevent similar acts of violence in the future.