CHR launches own probe of Cavite school abuse claims

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann De Guia (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will conduct an independent investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in a school in Cavite province, in parallel with the probe being done by the Department of Education (DepEd), according to CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia.

In a statement on Wednesday, De Guia said the commission already dispatched investigators from its regional offices in Calabarzon to interview the alleged victims, numbering about 30.

The CHR official also said that aside from the case involving six teachers from Bacoor National High School (BNHS) in Cavite, the commission will also look into an incident in Camarines Norte where a fifth grader was allegedly verbally abused by his teacher for failing to accomplish a writing activity.

‘Condemnable’

“Both cases, if confirmed to be true, are condemnable incidents that betray the trust children and parents put on schools as safe havens for learning,” De Guia said.

“It is thus concerning how individuals tasked with educating young children have been allegedly involved in actions that are unbecoming of the role of educators in the recent weeks,” she added.

The Cavite investigation stemmed from a social media story that emerged on Aug. 27 wherein a Twitter post compiled the alleged experiences of some BNHS students at the hands of at least six teachers.

When reached by the Inquirer, the principal, Teodoro Gloriani, said he immediately called for a meeting and consulted the schools division office upon learning of the post.

“There were six teachers mentioned in the posts. Said teachers were not given any teaching load pending initial investigation on the matter,” DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said in a statement on Monday.

Gloriani said the concerned teachers denied the allegations when summoned.

The original poster, Miguel Damasco, said more than 30 victims have come forward and they were already talking with a lawyer from the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan.

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