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DepEd condemns ‘sex abuse’ of 4 CamSur teachers

August 12, 2022 Arlene Rivera 1740 views

THE Department of Education (DepEd) strongly condemned the “sexual abuse” committed against four elementary school teachers from Ocampo, Camarines Sur, who were preparing for the school opening.

“We denounce any acts of violence and injustice towards our teachers, who have been showing their dedication and effort to deliver equitable, resilient, inclusive, and quality education to our learners,” DepEd said in a statement.

DepEd has already instructed the field office concerned to coordinate with the authorities to assist them throughout the investigation.

Moreover, the education department will provide the necessary aid to the victims, including financial assistance and psychosocial intervention.

“We hope our local authorities in Camarines Sur will conduct a swift investigation and bring justice to the family of the victims. We likewise call on our partner agencies in preparation for the upcoming school opening, especially the Philippine National Police (PNP), to protect the welfare of our teachers, learners, and parents inside and outside the premises of our schools.”

DepEd is currently drafting a Joint Memorandum Circular with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to emphasize using the Special Education Fund (SEF) to hire at least one security personnel per school and for the repair and construction of school buildings.

The said issuance will also prohibit the use of schools as isolation facilities, quarantine facilities, and long-term evacuation centers so that the use of our school facilities and classrooms will be limited to our learners and school personnel.

“The Department and our partners are committed to making our schools a safe space for our learners and teachers,” according to DepEd.

Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has urged DepEd and the local government units (LGUs) to impose strict security in schools for the upcoming opening of classes on August 22.

“We must ensure the safety of our children and school personnel. And if the school or the DepEd cannot afford the hiring of security guards for each school, our LGUs can help or even deploy barangay watchmen in the school’s vicinity,” Benjo Basas, TDC national chairperson, said.

The group stated a report that some teachers of a school in Camarines Sur were “robbed and sexually harassed by armed burglars who managed to enter the school premises”.

“This violence perpetrated against our hapless teachers is deplorable, and we condemn it in the strongest terms. We call on our law enforcement authorities for a speedy investigation to bring the culprits to justice,” added Basas.

TDC has been coordinating with the field officials but could not divulge details due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“Apart from the necessary sacrifices, there are also dangers that our teachers face. Our teachers should be on vacation right now, but perhaps with the amount of work that still needs to be done, they prefer to work in schools or are forced to report physically,” Basas ended.

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