Barahona teachers demand school security after violent intrusion

The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) is demanding increased police presence in schools following a violent incident at Mencía Primary School in the Paraíso municipality of Barahona. The incident involved a man, identified as Argeny Ferreras, who allegedly jumped the school wall and threatened the school director with a machete after students were throwing stones from the school court.

The intrusion caused significant panic among students and staff, leading to a decrease in school attendance as parents expressed concerns over safety. While some students have begun returning to classes, the school director reported a notable drop in enrollment following the event.

Ferreras is currently in preventive detention in Barahona. The Public Ministry is seeking three months of preventive prison for alleged violations of Law 631-16 regarding the control of weapons and ammunition. ADP representatives, including Dariun Féliz, have called on the Ministry of Education to implement preventive measures and provide security agents to ensure a peaceful environment for teaching and learning.