Balabagan, Lanao del Sur — A teacher who was a known member of the LGBTQI community was gunned down in broad daylight while on his way to work on Monday morning, August 4, 2025.
The victim, identified as Danilo Barba, a faculty member of Balabagan Trade School, was reportedly walking to school when he was approached by an unidentified gunman and shot multiple times in the head. The assailant immediately fled the scene, leaving Barba lifeless on the ground.
Authorities from the Balabagan Municipal Police Station have yet to release an official report on the incident, but investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and identify the perpetrator.
Barba was described by colleagues and students as a dedicated educator and an open advocate for LGBTQI rights in the community. His death has sparked grief, outrage, and calls for justice among residents, civil society groups, and human rights advocates.
The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) issued a statement mourning the loss of the educator and strongly condemning the killing:
“Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
‘Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.’It is with deep sorrow that the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) condemns the tragic killing of Mr. Danilo Barba, a dedicated teacher of Balabagan Trade School in Lanao del Sur, who was mercilessly shot and killed on the morning of August 4, 2025.
This act of violence against an educator — someone who devoted his life to shaping the minds and futures of our youth — is both painful and unacceptable. Teachers are pillars of our communities, and their safety must be safeguarded at all times. Any harm against them is a threat to the values of education, peace, and public service.
The Ministry joins the entire education community in mourning this great loss. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Barba’s family, colleagues, and students.
May justice be served, and may his memory continue to inspire our commitment to safe and peaceful learning environments.”
— Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister, MBHTE – BARMM
Local officials and human rights organizations are urging law enforcement to explore all angles of the case, including the possibility of hate-related motives, and to bring those responsible to justice without delay.