The incident underscores the need for transparency and accountability in schools and the responsibility of educators to maintain the trust of students and parents. Photo from Canva.
Shocking footage from a school in Lubao, Pampanga surfaced recently, revealing disturbing allegations of physical and verbal abuse inflicted upon three high school students by their teacher. The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage among parents and authorities, prompting swift action.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a class session when the teacher became enraged amid heated arguments involving the students.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Dedrick Relativo, head of the Lubao Police Station, said in a GMA Regional TV interview, “Itong ating adviser and teacher got outraged kasi itong mga estudyanteng mga biktima natin ay nagkaroon ng heated arguments… So nakikita doon sa viral video, those victims were subjected to physical and verbal abuse [The adviser-teacher got outraged because the student victims had heated arguments… So, as seen in the viral video, those victims were subjected to physical and verbal abuse].”
Parents expressed dismay upon witnessing the viral video, with one parent saying, “Masakit po bilang ina na nakikitang nasasaktan ang anak mo ng ganun ka brutal na pananakit…. at saka teacher pa, syempre sila ‘yung tumatayong pangalawang magulang kapag nasa school [It’s painful as a mother to see your child being hurt in such a brutal way… and by a teacher, of course they are the ones who act as second parents when in school].”
In response to the incident, the Schools Division Office of Pampanga has removed the teacher from their position and forwarded the complaint to the Regional Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) for investigation. The teacher may face charges under the Republic Act 7610 or Child Abuse Law, according to the police.
The DepEd has a strict policy against teachers physically abusing students. Its Order No. 40, s. 2012 on the “Policy and Guidelines on Protecting Children in School from Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, Discrimination, Bullying and Other Forms of Abuse” establishes a zero tolerance policy for any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse.
The policy defines child abuse as the maltreatment of a child which includes psychological or physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment. It covers all children enrolled in the basic education system and applies to school personnel, visitors, parents, and guardians.
The incident highlights the need to ensure student safety in schools and raises concerns about educators’ roles and underscores the importance of addressing misconduct and protecting students.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the process.
The incident underscores the need for transparency and accountability in schools and the responsibility of educators to maintain the trust of students and parents.
