The dream of becoming a teacher led Almarisa Arroy from her home province of Negros Occidental to pursue her education, eventually finding love and starting a family. But that same dream ultimately placed her in the path of a predator, culminating in a horrific tragedy at the very school where she sought to build a future.

Almarisa, born into a modest family, was determined to become an educator. After graduating from college in Marikina, where she met her future husband Christopher Arroy (also from Negros Occidental), she earned her teaching license in 2013. The couple married, had a son, and decided to move back to the province for a more affordable and stable life.

They settled in Barangay Pook, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental. Christopher found a work-from-home job as a call center agent, while Almarisa set her sights on teaching at the local Oringao Bito-Bito National High School (OBBNHS). In 2015, armed with strong credentials and recommendations, she applied for a position.

According to Almarisa’s sister, Leonisa, the initial interview with the school principal, Warren Escosar, presented a hurdle. Escosar allegedly told Almarisa the school had no open positions.

However, he then made a disturbing offer: he could create a position for her, provided she agreed to do “everything he wanted.” Desperate to teach, Almarisa accepted this ambiguous condition, unaware of its sinister implications.

She began teaching, fulfilling her lifelong passion. But colleagues and family noticed a change in her demeanor; the joy seemed overshadowed by a quiet anxiety. Unbeknownst to them, Almarisa soon discovered the principal’s true price. Months into her job, Escosar summoned her, claiming she needed to sign documents related to her employment.

He directed her to meet him at an off-campus location after school. Trusting him, Almarisa went, only to find herself alone with Escosar in a room. He allegedly locked the door, approached her while unbuttoning his shirt, touched her shoulder, and reminded her of their “agreement.” He made it clear his demand was sexual compliance in exchange for her job.

Terrified, Almarisa fought back, striking Escosar and fleeing the room. She immediately told her husband, Christopher, about the assault attempt. They went to the Hinoba-an police station to file a report. However, during the interview process, Almarisa reportedly became distressed, struggled to recall exact details, and ultimately decided not to pursue formal charges.

Leonisa explained her sister was overwhelmed by fear—fear of Escosar’s power and influence, fear of losing her job, fear that since the assault wasn’t completed, it wouldn’t be taken seriously. She hoped that Escosar, having been rebuffed, would leave her alone. This hope proved tragically naive.

Escosar did not relent. Months later, he invited Almarisa to another gathering. Wary, she ensured other teachers would also be present. She attended, but as the event concluded and others left, Escosar allegedly cornered her again, this time producing a gun. He forced her into his vehicle and took her to a motel, where he assaulted her.

From 2015 to 2022, Almarisa endured repeated abuse at Escosar’s hands. She lived in constant fear, silenced by his threats against her and her family. She maintained a facade of normalcy at school and home, hiding the deep trauma she carried. Escosar’s control seemed absolute until March 2022.

During a conversation in the faculty room, other teachers noticed Almarisa’s palpable fear when Escosar entered. This shared observation opened the door for hushed conversations, revealing that Almarisa was not his only victim. Several teachers had allegedly experienced harassment, bullying, and potentially other forms of abuse from the principal.

Empowered by solidarity, the teachers decided to act. They collectively wrote a formal complaint detailing Escosar’s alleged misconduct—harassment, bullying, misuse of funds, and creating a hostile work environment—and sent it to the Department of Education (DepEd) main division in Manila. Fearing retaliation, they initially submitted the complaint anonymously.

DepEd launched an internal investigation. A representative met with Escosar, informing him of the allegations and suggesting a transfer to another school pending the investigation’s outcome.

Escosar vehemently denied all accusations but was now under official scrutiny. The investigation emboldened Almarisa. She finally revealed the full extent of the years-long abuse to her husband, Christopher.

Together, on April 11, 2022, they returned to the Hinoba-an police station, this time determined to file formal charges. While Almarisa gave her detailed statement, Escosar reportedly called her, attempting to negotiate a settlement, offering money for her silence. She angrily refused. Police instructed the Arroys to return the next day with any evidence they had, such as harassing text messages.

Almarisa spent that night compiling evidence from her phone. On the morning of April 12, 2022, she decided to finish her classes before going to the station. Christopher respected her decision and drove her to OBBNHS on his motorcycle shortly before 8:00 a.m. Unbeknownst to them, an enraged Warren Escosar was waiting.

According to a teacher who witnessed the ensuing horror, Escosar, driving a red van, immediately confronted the couple upon their arrival at the school gate. An argument erupted. Almarisa walked towards her classroom while Christopher started his motorcycle. Before Christopher could leave, Escosar retrieved a shotgun from his van and fired, hitting him.

As Christopher fell, Almarisa screamed and ran towards a classroom, seeking refuge. Escosar pursued her. Inside the classroom, another teacher was present. Escosar reportedly warned the terrified colleague not to interfere. Almarisa hid behind a chair, but Escosar cornered her and fired multiple shots at close range—an act described by police as “overkill.”

Cell phone video captured by another witness, though blurry, recorded the relentless gunfire. After ending Almarisa’s life, Escosar walked back outside.

Seeing Christopher still alive, he shot him again, this time fatally in the back of the head. With both Almarisa and Christopher deceased, Warren Escosar then took his own .45 caliber pistol and ended his own life.

Police arrived to a gruesome scene: three bodies, multiple firearms (two .45 caliber pistols and a shotgun), and numerous spent shell casings. The case was swiftly concluded as a double life-taking followed by the perpetrator taking his own life.

The families, students, and community were left reeling from the violence and the revelation of the dark secrets hidden within their school.

The Arroys’ orphaned children were reportedly taken in by relatives, their lives forever altered by the tragic consequences of abuse of power.