School principal shot dead in Nueva Vizcaya

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — The principal of a public high school was shot dead by an unidentified assailant moments after the school’s foundation festivities on Saturday dawn at Quezon town in Nueva Vizcaya province,  police said on Sunday.

Elmar Balallo, 48, principal of the Quezon National High School, was walking towards his motorcycle after overseeing the school’s evening program when he was approached by a lone assassin, and was shot four times on the chest.

“Witnesses said the suspect was seen casually watching the program, which, to us, indicates he is a professional killer,” said Chief Insp. Jenefer Flores, Quezon police chief.

He said investigators are trying to determine why the principal was attacked.

Balallo sustained gunshot wounds on the head and chest. He was rushed to the Medical Mission Group Hospital in Solano town, about 20 minutes away, but was pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.

Minutes before the shooting, the principal posted a series of Facebook live videos of the school’s evening pageant, on the occasion of its 36th founding anniversary celebrations. /je