Cotabato teachers bail out colleague jailed for allegedly pinching student

KIDAPAWAN CITY –– Teachers in M’lang, Cotabato have contributed money and bailed out on Thursday, August 1, a colleague who was detained for allegedly imposing corporal punishment on a student.

Gerlie Villagonzalo, a teacher in New Consolacion Elementary School in M’lang, was arrested on Wednesday at her house in Barangay Calunasan based on a warrant issued by a local court.

She was accused of pushing and pinching one of her students last year.

Omar Obas, Cotabato Schools Division Superintendent, said the teachers in M’lang have contributed money, upon the request of Villagonzalo’s school head, so she could “regain liberty and defend herself in the proper forum.”

“I am thankful that our teachers did not hesitate to contribute any amount for the bail bond of our fellow educator,” Obas added.

The teachers were able to collect P85,000, more than enough to bail out Villagonzalo for P80,000.

Obas said Villagonzalo denied the allegations when he talked with her about it.

“We will give her the benefit of the doubt. However, we will also give both sides the opportunity to be heard in court,” Obas explained.

Obas appealed to teachers in the province to maintain harmonious relations with the students and their parents to prevent similar incidents from happening in the schools.

“Remember that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in school. Be patient and always remember that we teachers are second parents to our school children,” Obas stressed.