COTABATO – The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Cotabato on Friday carried out a Psychological First Aid (PFA) session for school heads, teachers, and staff of Agriculture Central Elementary School and Agriculture High School, days after the brutal shooting of their principal.
Authorities identified the victim as Arlyn D. Alcebar, the newly appointed principal of Agriculture Central Elementary School, who was attacked on the morning of August 12 while inside her vehicle parked in front of the school. She was waiting for the school’s flag-raising ceremony to conclude when unidentified gunmen shot her.
Investigators from the Midsayap Municipal Police Station said they are looking into at least three possible motives for the crime, including personal grudges and work-related disputes. Police also noted that in previous months, Alcebar’s sibling was also killed in a separate incident.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Mendoza visited the recovering principal in the hospital on Thursday to personally check on her condition and extend moral support. The governor also directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible will be held accountable.
The PFA session was facilitated by Division Nurses, trained PFA providers from DRRM Coordinators, and Registered Guidance Counselors from both public and private schools, with support from the Midsayap local government. The intervention aimed to provide immediate psychosocial assistance, equip education leaders and teachers with coping tools, and ensure learning continuity amid the tragedy.
SDO Cotabato reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safety of all learners and staff, calling for unity in the community while seeking justice for the victim.