CHR probes teacher over sexual advances, assault on 2 student

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is conducting its own investigation into the alleged sexual advances and physical assault committed by a public school teacher against his two male students at Vicente Rama Memorial National High School in Cebu City.

In a statement, CHR has committed to providing support and assistance to the victims and their families throughout the investigation.

“While we recognise that some may be hesitant to seek legal remedies due to concerns about possible repercussions, we strongly encourage those affected to take action. Holding individuals accountable is essential to ensuring justice and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future,” read a portion of the CHR statement.

The CHR also highlighted the importance of safety on children especially in the educational settings and condemned any form of sexual advances or any inappropriate behavior especially coming from a teacher.

To recall, a high school teacher (name withheld) from Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School was accused by two of his students aged 14 and 17 of sexual advances and physical assault.

The victims claimed that the teacher requested to see their abs but got angry when turned down resulting in physical assaults. The teacher reportedly bit the back of the 17-year-old student and right arm of the 14-year-old.

A criminal complaint for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Child Abuse Law was already filed against the teacher before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. A separate administrative complaint was also filed before the Schools Division Office of the Department of Education in Cebu City.

The CHR highly emphasized accountability and ensured that justice will be served to prevent future occurrences.

“As the Children Ombud, the Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of every child in the country. We shall ensure that such violations are met with the full force of the law to protect our children from any forms of harm,” the statement further reads. — (FREEMAN)