TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 23 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) has expressed profound concern and strong condemnation following the fatal shooting of a public school teacher inside a classroom in Matalom, Leyte.

In an official statement on Thursday, DepEd Region 8 said the tragic incident has "deeply affected the education community" and underscored the urgent need to strengthen safety and security measures in schools to protect learners and personnel.

"DepEd Region 8 extends its utmost sympathy to the victim, her family, and the entire school community. We are actively coordinating with the concerned Schools Division Office, the local government unit, and the Philippine National Police to ensure that justic...