Teacher shoots self after killing school principal

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines   â€“ A principal of an elementary school was shot dead by a teacher who also killed himself on campus in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental yesterday morning.  

Jojit Gaudiel, acting principal of Trinidad Elementary School in Barangay Don Salvador Benedicto, was reportedly shot in the head by Harold Salas at about 10:30 a.m., according to Senior Inspector Mary Rose Salve Pico, chief of Pontevedra police.

Pico said Salas, who looked depressed, killed himself after shooting Gaudiel in front of the principal’s office. She said two fully loaded home-made .38 caliber revolvers were found in Salas’ possession after the crime.

Police found four shells and six dart bullets in Salas’ pockets.

Gaudiel was rushed to the nearby Valladolid District Hospital for treatment. He was transferred to the Riverside Medical Hospital in this city, where he died at about 12:30 p.m.

Pico said Salas was declared dead on arrival at the Pontevedra municipal health center.

Sources said Salas was reportedly having a problem with his lovelife but Pico said this angle did not surface in their investigation.

Initial investigation showed Gaudiel was about to start his motorcycle to go to the district office when Salas reportedly shot him.

Pico said the gun jammed and Gaudiel ran away. Salas reportedly chased and shot at him again, hitting him in the head.

Salas went to the room of another teacher, Ernie Espadero, where he reportedly shot himself.

Another source said Espadero, who was not around during the incident, was Salas’ alleged rival in courting a woman.

Pontevedra Mayor Jose Ma. Alonso said no personal problem existed between Gaudiel and Salas.

Alonso said he would provide financial assistance to Gaudiel’s family and would conduct a stress debriefing for the pupils.