DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating another teacher of the Bacoor National High School (BNHS) in Cavite for allegations of sexual harassment, according to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa.
Poa said at a press briefing on Thursday that a total of seven BNHS teachers, all of whom were not named, are now being probed by the Bacoor city schools division office and they face dismissal from government service, aside from the criminal charges that may be filed against them by their supposed victims.
Poa said a fact-finding report is expected to be turned over to the regional office on Friday.
“From then on, we will determine what will be the next steps on administrative proceedings against the teachers,” he said.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the problem is that only a few complainants are filing affidavits. We hope you can help us encourage the alleged victims to come forward and file affidavits to strengthen the case, if there would be any,” Poa said.
Poa said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte met with the department’s Child Protection Unit (CPU) earlier this week and ordered an improvement of its programs and presence in schools.
Under DepEd Order No. 3, series of 2021, the CPU is tasked to formulate policies related to the rights of the children in basic education and ensure that they are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, cruelty and exploitation.
The CPU is also mandated to “establish and maintain a monitoring and reporting mechanism for all child protection-related concerns.”
The allegations of sexual exploitation and inappropriate behavior toward the students of the public high school in Molino, Cavite, came from a viral social media post that was verified by the Inquirer.
BNHS principal Teodoro Gloriani earlier said in a phone interview that the accused teachers denied the allegations when they were questioned.