4 allegedly molested CamSur teachers to get financial aid, psychosocial help — DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it will give financial assistance and psychosocial intervention to four teachers in Camarines Sur who were allegedly molested inside a school in Ocampo town.

The DepEd said it “strongly” condemns the sexual abuse committed against the teachers who were preparing for the opening of the School Year 2022-2023 on August 22.

“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,” it said in a statement.

“The Department has already instructed the field office concerned to coordinate with the authorities to assist them throughout the investigation. The Department will provide the necessary aid to the victims, including financial assistance and psychosocial intervention,” it added.

The DepEd expressed hope that the local authorities in Camarines Sur will conduct a swift investigation and bring justice to the family of the victims.

It also called on other agencies, especially the Philippine National Police (PNP), to protect the welfare of teachers, learners and parents inside and outside of the premises of schools, especially in the upcoming school opening.

The DepEd said it is also drafting a joint memorandum circular with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management to use the Special Education Fund to hire at least one security personnel per school and for the repair and construction of school buildings.

“The Department and our partners are committed to make our schools a safe space for our learners and teachers,” the agency said.

The PNP earlier said it had identified the suspect in the alleged molestation of the four teachers.

It added they were preparing the charges, while their operatives were conducting an operation to locate and arrest the suspect who remains at large.

Police said the armed suspect, with his face covered, entered the teachers’ office and molested them last Aug. 8.

Initial reports said the suspect first declared a hold-up and took the cellphones and cash of the victims. He then violated the victims in the office that was located in an isolated area of the campus.

The police withheld the names of the victims and the suspect as the investigation continued.

/MUF