The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has condemned the actions of armed men who killed a volunteer teacher and a soldier during an ambush at Barangay Lamin in the town of Malabang, Lanao del Sur on 27 June 2026.

“The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) strongly condemns the tragic killing of Hapipah S. Macadato, a volunteer teacher who was fatally struck by gunfire while traveling home to her community.”

“Her untimely death is a profound loss not only to her family and loved ones, but also to the education sector. Her dedication and commitment to serving her community through education embody the values of peace, hope, and public service that educators uphold.”

Bangsamoro Regional Police Office (PRO-BAR) spokesperson Capt. Steffi Salanguit said that the 23-year-old educator is a newly licensed professional teacher and resident of Barangay Punong in the town of Picong, Lanao del Sur, who was killed along with Philippine Army Corporal Jayson Castro, a resident of Barangay Dipolo, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.

Police report stated that Castro was in a white Toyota Hilux together with fellow Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAFGU-CAA) soldiers returning to their camp after an area security operation at Batangay Baras on 27 June.

Later that day, the convoy was ambushed by some heavily armed men as the soldiers passed thru Barangay Lamin. Castro was killed during the attack, while driver Richard Estomen was injured. Five other soldiers aboard the pickup truck were deemed okay.

Teacher Macadato was on her way home to Barangay Punong riding a payong-payong, a local motorcycle-for-hire, when a stray bullet hit her in the back of the head during the ambush that killed her instantly.

Shell casings from a 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition were recovered in the area, along with an unexploded rifle grenade.

The MBHTE has called on concerned authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served.

“The MBHTE  extend its deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family and stand in solidarity with them in their pursuit of truth and justice.”

“Teachers and education workers are builders of peace, agents of change, and bearers of hope in our communities. They must be protected at all times and allowed to carry out their noble duties free from violence, fear, and harm.”