Schoolgirl on an errand for teacher run over by car

AN elementary school teacher is in hot water after a 10-year-old schoolgirl she ordered to run an errand figured in an accident outside the premises of Mandaue City Central School last Thursday afternoon.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Mandaue is now investigating if one of its teachers violated the policy on child protection.

Benjamin Tiongson, administrative officer of DepEd in Mandaue said that DepEd Order no. 40 issued in 2012 otherwise known as the Child Protection Policy, prohibits teachers from giving tasks that could potentially place the student’s life at risk.

Cebu Daily News is withholding the names of the teacher involved and the minor victim. RA 4670 or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers prohibits naming of public school teachers who are under investigation.

The 10-year-old schoolgirl was on her way to a photocopying shop to reproduce some documents for her teacher when she was hit by a car along C. Ouano Street in barangay Centro. The accident happened at 3 p.m. which was well within the class period.

The girl suffered wounds in her knees after she was bumped by a car driven by Leslie Ann Yoson.

She was brought to the hospital for treatment said PO2 Gerald Magpantay, of the Mandaue City Police Office.

Magpantay said the child may have mistakenly interpreted traffic signals as she crossed the street even if the green light was on.

Tiongson said that aside from the investigation they will also hold refresher briefings for teachers on the DepEd’s Child Protection Police.

He cited examples of prohibited acts under the policy like teachers asking students to sell whatever they are selling on the side for additional income, or asking students to climb up classroom roofs to clean.

The refresher he said is set for next week.