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Koblerville Elementary burglarized over the holidays
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Posted on Jan 08 2016
Vandals broke the windows of several Koblerville Elementary School classrooms during Christmas break. The Department of Public Safety started conducting their investigation on Sunday. (Daisy Demapan)
Students and school officials of Koblerville Elementary School returned after the Christmas break to a campus hit by vandals who had burglarized several classrooms.
According to principal Rizalina Liwag, the vandals targeted the school on Dec. 22 and then again on New Year’s Day.
She noted that the first burglary broke the window of a first grade classroom and a door window of a fourth grade classroom. On New Year’s Day, vandals targeted a second grade classroom by shattering its windows.
Liwag said the school was closed for the holidays and that gates are always kept locked but that after Typhoon Soudelor, their baseball field dugout was blown away, creating a point of entry for anyone with ulterior motives.
They’ve now hired a security guard to prevent further burglaries but Liwag said that students and faculty are still being urged to remain vigilant to prevent any future intrusions.
Considering the possibility that students may have information on the matter, counselor Femie Rey addressed the student body and is waiting for someone to come forward with information.
“It’s about safety for everyone. We feel afraid but no one should be afraid. This situation takes away valuable instructional hours and really impacts their learning,” she said.
Liwag expressed the need for the community to be involved and vigilant as well. “We need to take care of the school. This is a place of learning and we must respect it,” she said.
She said the only item stolen from both burglaries was an Apple iPad used for instructional purposes.
Liwag said that teachers tend to not leave equipment in the classroom and often secure school property in a safer area.
“We don’t have equipment in the classroom. There really shouldn’t be any reason to break in,” she said.
The damage to school property has been assessed and is awaiting repairs. Liwag said the damaged windows have been temporarily covered with plywood until repairs are made.
The Department of Public Safety took the school’s statement on Sunday as part of an ongoing investigation.
If you or anyone you know has information on the school burglaries, contact Crime Stoppers at 234-7272 or submit an anonymous tip at www.nmi.crimestoppersweb.com.
