SPEEDY PROCESS | Sara orders DepEd office told to finish probe into death of ‘slapped’ student

October 9, 2023 , 03:09 PM

(October 9, 2023) – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd) that is looking into the death of a student who was allegedly slapped by his teacher only has until today to finish its investigation.

Duterte-Carpio, also the DepEd secretary, visited the wake of Francis Jay Gumikib in Antipolo last October 6. She was joined by other officials of the DepEd and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“(Kailangan) mag-issue ng formal charges na may pansamantalang pagsususpinde laban sa mga sangkot sa isyu. Kasama sa usapan ang posibleng kaso ng child abuse dahil sa pananampal,” said Duterte-Carpio, stressing that the DepEd will ensure the speedy process of the administrative case.

Gumikib, a Grade 5 student of Peñafrancia Elementary School, died from brain swelling last October 2. His death came more than a week after he was brought to the hospital. At least two days before his hospitalization, he was allegedly slapped by his teacher during a test, causing him to have headaches and nausea.

Duterte-Carpio promised to help Gumikib’s family file criminal charges against the teacher if the authorities find any sufficient basis from their collected evidence and the autopsy result to do so.

Last October 4, Gumikib’s body was brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City for the official autopsy.

Duterte-Carpio said the DepEd will provide different forms of support to the family. She also offered that the elder siblings of Gumikib return to school either through late enrollment or through the Alternative Learning System.

Recognizing the trauma of the younger siblings following their brother’s death, Duterte-Carpio said the DepEd also brought up the possibility of allowing them to attend classes through a blended learning setup.

“Agarang magbibigay ang DepEd ng psychological first aid para sa mga magulang at mga kapatid ng biktima,” said Duterte-Carpio. “Pinag-usapan na isailalim sa blended learning (ang nakababatang anak) upang magpatuloy at hindi maantala ang kanilang pag-aaral.”

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the Office of the City Prosecutor of Antipolo already received the instruction to work with other agencies in probing the death of Gumikib.

The DOJ reminded educators and other stakeholders to have zero tolerance for abuse and violence in line with the DepEd’s policy.

“Child abuse in any form is an abhorrent violation of children’s rights and a crime that should never be tolerated. Children, especially learners, deserve a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive without fear of abuse,” said the DOJ.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights also started an independent investigation into the case of the Gumikib.

“We underscore the importance of recognizing the individuality and rights of children whose physical and mental vulnerabilities should not relegate them from receiving equal and proper treatment from adults who are supposedly responsible for their welfare and protection,” said the CHR.

(PM)

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