The public schools in Talaingod that suspended classes since Monday already resumed operations following the reported pangayao against the teachers after the suspension of 55 Salugpungan schools.
But the municipality of Talaingod was quick to dismiss the report about the tribal war declared against public schools teachers.
Febie Graza, the information officer of Talaingod, made this clarification during the AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday.
She also said that they received only six schools that suspended classes, four in Barangay Dagohoy and two in Palma Gil.
“Actually six are the newly opened schools that classes were suspended by the mayor but on Tuesday, Sitio Dulyan, which is passable, and Kilometer 25 and 31 already proceeded (with their classes),” she added.
She said they will secure the teachers until the situation normalizes. The official also said they are not sure where the rumors about the possible pangayao came from.
Meanwhile, Jenielito Atillo, the spokesperson of Department of Education XI, also said six schools initially canceled classes and three more schools were affected. He said the rumor was spread through text message.
“Meaning we can say that there are who want to make trouble with the Salugpongan Ta tanu Igkanugon because of the suspension order that is why, in fairness to the Salugpongan, they are also victims of this situation, ” he said.
“Also the local government authorities of Talaingod confirmed that there is no really Pangayao together with the National Commission of Indigenous People, ” he added.
Classes in nine schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte were suspended since Monday due to the threat of pangayao (tribal war) targeting school teachers.
The cancellation of classes came after Mayor Basilio Libayao received a text message last Saturday that threatened to attack school teachers following the order of the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend all the 55 schools operated by the Salugpongan in the region that cater to the Lumad.
Last July 12, the DepEd 11 ordered the suspension of 55 schools operated by the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers in the region following claims that the schools were being used by communists to teach children to fight the government.
The DepEd is still determining to lift the suspension or to totally close down the Salugpongan schools.
Based on the records of DepEd 11, there are 199 schools located in the far-flung areas in the region. There are 55 Salugpungan schools in the region.
