Negros Occidental teacher shot dead en route to election duty

A public school teacher in Negros Occidental, Mercy Miguel, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on the eve of the elections while she was on her way home.

Miguel was scheduled to serve as a member of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in her hometown of Himamaylan.

The Department of Education (DepEd) condemned the murder and acknowledged that teachers serving in elections are vulnerable.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones has ordered assistance for the victim's family.

Police reported that Miguel and her husband encountered a roadblock of rocks, and suspects opened fire when they dismounted their motorcycle to clear the path.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Her husband was unharmed, and police are currently investigating if the killing was related to the upcoming elections.