MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A school principal was wounded in a brazen daylight shooting outside the Agriculture Elementary School in Barangay Agriculture, Midsayap, North Cotabato on Tuesday morning, August 12, 2025.
The victim was identified as Arlyn D. Alcebar, 54, principal of Agriculture Elementary School. Police reports said Alcebar was driving her Toyota Rush and was about to enter the school gate when she was fired upon by two motorcycle-riding suspects.
One of the assailants allegedly approached and shot her at close range before fleeing in the direction of the national highway. Traffic enforcers and barangay tanods at the scene rushed her to a nearby hospital via tricycle. Authorities said she remains in stable condition.
Police said Alcebar had only recently been reassigned to the school from another campus in the same municipality.
Immediate Response and Condemnation
Mayor Rolly “Ur Da Man” Sacdalan immediately convened a safety and security meeting with local police, military officials, barangay leaders, and municipal security personnel. The discussion centered on identifying the motive, tracking down suspects, and tightening security measures across Midsayap to prevent similar incidents.
“We must ensure the safety of our educators, students, and communities,” Sacdalan said, urging residents to cooperate with investigators and provide any information that could lead to an arrest.
The Schools Division of Cotabato, through Superintendent Romelito G. Flores, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and cowardly act” and a “flagrant assault on the sanctity of schools, which are recognized by law as zones of peace and learning.”
“This brazen attack will not go unpunished. We call upon the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law,” Flores said in an official statement, pledging the Division’s full cooperation in the investigation.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza also denounced the shooting, vowing that the provincial government would back intensified security operations to protect schools and communities.
“There is no place for violence in Cotabato. We will fight for justice and ensure the safety of our teachers, students, and residents,” she said, calling for swift action from law enforcement.
Investigation Underway
The Midsayap Municipal Police Station has launched a thorough investigation and assured the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the assailants to justice.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack. Police are appealing to the public for leads, stressing that community cooperation is vital in solving the case.