Manila, April 19 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday condemned the murder of a 13-year-old Grade 8 learner in Agoncillo town in Batangas province.

In a statement, the department demanded swift justice following the incident, where the victim was reportedly shot in the head on her way to school in the town's Barangay Banyaga on Wednesday morning.

The police identified the victim as "Jenny".

"We deplore this heartless act of violence against our learners. The agency likewise calls on local authorities to exhaust all efforts to ensure accountability of the perpetrator and render swift justice," it said.

"There is no place for such a brutal act in our society, more so against children who we aim to nurture as peace champions ...