Tacloban City – Top education officials in Eastern Visayas called for swift investigation and justice into the brutal killing of a 39-year-old senior high school teacher in Tacloban City.
The victim, Bernabe Basiano, was found dead with multiple stabbed wounds on his neck inside an empty housing unit on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 25, 2023.
“It is with profound sadness and utmost condemnation that the Department of Education Division of Tacloban City, addresses the tragic and heinous killing of one of our esteemed educators, Mr. Bernabe Acosta Basiano. Mr. Basiano, a dedicated SST-II teacher at Antonio Balmes National High School, was ruthlessly murdered, shocking our entire educational community,” said Judella Lumpas, city schools division superintendent.
“As we mourn the loss of a cherished educator, let us unite in seeking justice and ensuring that such reprehensible acts are met with the full force of the law. Together, let us honor Mr. Bernabe Acosta Basiano’s memory by continuing to uphold the values of education, compassion, and justice,” the superintendent added.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the murder of the victim.
Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero, education regional director, also urged the community “to cooperate with the authorities and provide any information that may aid in the resolution of this case.”
“This senseless act not only robs us of a valuable member of the teaching community but also shakes the very foundation of our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our learners. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our teachers, and we will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to implement measures that will prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” she said.
On social media, former students of Basiano and netizens also demanded justice for the slain teacher.
According to the police, the owner of the housing unit was about to visit the place to clean it when upon opening the door, she found blood scattered on the floor and Basiano’s lifeless body lying on the ground, covered with a blanket soaked in blood.