In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across the nation, a teacher in Lubao, Pampanga, has been accused of physically and verbally abusing three Grade 9 students. The incident, which was caught on video by a fellow student, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The Incident
The students, aged between 13 to 15 years, were reportedly engaging in light-hearted banter during class when the teacher’s outburst occurred. The video footage shows the teacher visibly enraged, hitting, slapping, and pulling the students’ hair while scolding them. This appalling behavior has left the students afraid to attend their classes.
Parents and Community in Shock
The incident has left the students’ parents in shock and disbelief. One parent expressed their pain, saying, "It’s painful to see your child being hurt, especially by a teacher". They emphasized that teachers should be respected and highlighted their role as surrogate parents to their students. However, they firmly stated that such incidents should not happen again.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor against the teacher. The teacher has been relieved of their duties, and the case has been referred to the Department of Education Regional Office for a thorough investigation. Formal charges under RA 7610 or the Child Protection Act have been lodged against the teacher.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has formed an investigative team to probe the case. Officials have assured that the Central Office is currently monitoring the developments regarding the investigation. The DepEd Division Office in Pampanga will also conduct its own inquiry into the matter.
Human Rights Watch
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has vowed to monitor the investigation on the incident. They have expressed concern over the physical and verbal abuse suffered by the students, which is a clear violation of Republic Act 7610.
A Call for Reform
While the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) does not condone hurting learners, the group urged the public to take a closer look at the incident. They highlighted that many conditions affect what is called “abuse” — including class size, congested classrooms, ventilation, student discipline, teacher workload, and the lack of a proper guidance and counseling program.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in our education system. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our students, where they can learn and grow without fear.
As we await the outcome of the investigation, let us stand together in solidarity with the victims and work towards a future where such incidents are a thing of the past.