The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday expressed its deepest condolences to the family of a five-year-old who had died after being hit by a stray bullet during an armed encounter in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.

“We stand with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) in mourning this tragic loss and in calling for justice. No child should ever be placed in harm’s way, especially inside a classroom,” DepEd said.

“The Department strongly condemns all violence that endangers learners. Schools must remain zones of peace,” it added.

DepEd assured that it is working with BARMM, MBHTE, local officials, and security authorities to support the school community and bolster protection measures.

On Wednesday morning, the five-year-old was struck in the head with a stray bullet while inside their classroom in Dambalas Elementary School. He died instantly.