4 Bukidnon schools suspend classes over 'revenge killing’ threat

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon — An alleged “Magahat” (retaliatory killing) threat prompted the temporary suspension of classes in four public schools in Barangay Dao, about 30 kilometers from the town center here.Barangay chairperson Jezrel S. Bacleran ordered the class suspension on Wednesday, July 1, at the Dao Integrated School, Kirangel, Tughaanan Te Katalonan, and Kawayan Class Extension as a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers, and school personnel from a reported security threat allegedly involving armed individuals from neighboring Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

READ: PNP warns of rise in school threats, urges public to verify reportsIn a memorandum, Bacleran said the suspension was necessary as authorities assessed the security situation and would remain in effect until the barangay government, in coordination with tribal leaders, declared the area safe.Maj. Kevin Bangsoy, San Fernando police chief, said an investigation conducted on July 2 found no evidence to substantiate reports of an impending “Magahat” from Talaingod town.

He urged barangay officials to coordinate immediately with the police should any security concerns arise.Datu Julio Alub, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Barangay Kalagangan and a cultural mediator for the local government, said they contacted Barangay Dao IPMR Datu Saripa Mampaglas regarding the alleged threat.Alub explained that a separate conflict in Barangay Matupi, involving a love triangle, had recently raised concern within the tribal community but was peacefully resolved through customary tribal conflict-resolution practices.He stressed that the incident had no connection to the rumored “Magahat” in Barangay Dao.Alub called on Barangay Dao officials to publicly clarify the situation through social media to address public concern caused by the circulating reports.The Department of Education in San Fernando has yet to issue an official statement on the class suspension or disclose the number of affected students and teachers.

READ: DepEd issues guidelines to address school security violations“Magahat” is an indigenous term meaning retaliatory killing./coa

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