With no leads, cops ask campus peers of slain Ateneo teacher

The Marikina City police have begun interviewing officials and faculty members of Ateneo de Manila High School on Wednesday for possible leads on the fatal shooting of teacher Emmanuel Pavia in a subdivision near the university’s housing area Monday night.

Senior Supt. Lorenzo Holanday, the city police chief, said investigators were looking at all possible angles, including the possibility that Pavia was a victim of mistaken identity, as well as yet-unverified reports that he witnessed a robbery days before the attack.

“We believe this is most likely an isolated case. Marikina is one of the most peaceful cities in Metro Manila. Hence, the community is very alarmed, especially since Mr. Pavia was a good man,” Holanday said in an interview.

He noted that the community where the 24-year-old Pavia resided was very peaceful.

Meanwhile, Danilo Si, Pavia’s friend and fellow math teacher at Ateneo, took exception to an earlier statement made by a Marikina police official describing Pavia as an advocate against illegal drugs.

“Sure, as teachers, we warn and remind students to stay away from drugs.

Pavia did so, but he was more of a sports buff who advocated clean and healthy living. He was well loved by his students, too. I still doubt the anti-illegal drugs advocate angle. That is not true,” Si told the Inquirer.