DepEd condemns suspected rape-slay of Grade 7 student

The Department of Education (DepEd) has condemned the killing of a junior high school student in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, who was allegedly nabbed and raped at a banana plantation as she was walking home.

The female Grade 7 student was found dead at a banana plantation after her family reported to village officials on December 7 that she was missing, according to an incident report from Tinawagan High School.

“The Department will continue to coordinate with the authorities to help bring the perpetrator/s to justice and help the victim’s family find solace amid the cold-blooded tragedy,” the DepEd said in a statement on Saturday.

The victim’s younger brother said that he was walking home with her sister when she walked ahead, made a turn to the plantation, and suddenly disappeared, the report stated.

“Supposing that his sister went ahead, he and two other students went straight to their respective homes. Evening fell and the victim did not turn up, prompting her family to seek the help of barangay officers in finding her,” the DepEd said, quoting the report.

Following a search by village watchmen, the Grade 7 student’s body was found lifeless at the plantation, which was only 50 meters from her house, the report said.

“DepEd remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of its learners against any form of abuse, violence, threat, exploitation, and discrimination,” the statement read.

“The Department enjoins all members of the community to be vigilant and proactive in preventing and deterring incidents that endanger the health and lives of children,” it said.