JEDDAH, 24 November 2004 — Citing mounting threats against his life, work and property, the board chairman of the controversial International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) has offered to vacate his post.

Angelito Lazo, who was elected chair of the Board of Trustees by parents in the January 2004 BOT elections, submitted his “resignation” on Sunday to the Saudi Ministry of Education.

A ministry official said they have yet to decide on Lazo’s resignation, but added that they will not stop him from leaving if his life is in danger.

The official also warned that their patience is running out with so many complaints of violence at the largest Philippine overseas school.

“We have a lot of problems at IPSJ and are considering a harsh action, including its closure next school year,” one official, who asked not to be named, told Arab News in a telephone interview.

“Whoever replaces Lazo to run the school will have barely four months to prove his worth. Otherwise, we are left with no option but to shut down the school,” the official warned.

In a separate interview, Lazo cited irreconcilable working relationships with other members of the board and the school administration as among the reasons he is leaving.

He added that his vehicle has been subjected to vandalism every now and then. Lazo said that the recent attempt on his life left him no reason to think twice in keeping the post.

Unidentified men tried to run over Lazo with a car two weeks ago in front of his residence.

None of the suspects have been identified so far. Lazo said he and his friends have information on who was behind the murder attempt, but they were not inclined to make it public for the time being.

Citing his letter to the MOE, Lazo said: “If this is what I get for offering my services for free, then there’s no need for me to stay. What is important, more than anything else, is my family and my work.”

A ministry official said they will not stop Lazo from resigning if his life is in danger.

“We are saddened by Lazo’s predicament and we understand his decision to leave the post. It is unbelievable that the Filipino community are resorting to such harassment and intimidation without giving importance to the sake of their children,” said the official, who asked not to be named.

IPSJ parents witnessed several violent incidents involving school board officials and their respective supporters.