Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  

I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Dr. Sonatria Dandun Gaspar, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Sulu. 

As a fellow Mindanaoan, I am disappointed with the news that Dr. Gaspar was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on Friday afternoon, February 7, in Barangay San Raymundo in Jolo, Sulu. While the details and reason for the shooting have yet to be discovered, let me stress that there is no room for violence in Mindanao, especially in Sulu. 

The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) condemns any and all forms of violence in the region, even if this is an isolated case, especially as we have already established Mindanao as a shining example of peace.   

We call on the authorities to be more vigilant in maintaining peace and security in the area, and for everyone to cooperate.   

END