Student accuses school principal of verbal abuse

CEBU, Philippines - A private high school principal in Minglanilla had been accused of verbal abuse by a female Grade 8 student before the police station.

The father had the incident recorded in the police blotter after his daughter was traumatized and did not anymore want to come to school. The father, who requested anonymity, said the principal allegedly scolded his daughter and threatened her to be humiliated in front of the other students.

 "Evil ka, devil, demonyo ka. Sa tanan nimong mga classmate ikaw ang pinaka demonyo. Unya ugma sayong buntag sa flag raising ibandera tika pakauwawan tika," the principal's alleged words to the student as relayed by the father to the police.

The incident happened on September 13 after the principal learned of the love notes that the student gave to her granddaughter, who is also a student in the same school. The principal, who also requested anonymity, admitted having reprimanded the student because of the love letter she sent to her granddaughter.

The principal, however, said her use of the word "devil" was not directed to the student but to her act of courting her granddaughter. She said she even gave a motherly advice to the student.

 She admitted threatening to humiliate the student but said she was just bluffing.

The father said the principal had already apologized but he intends to file a formal complaint for child abuse before the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

 "Naapektohan ko, wala sad koy tulog naguol ko nagtan-aw sa akong anak sa iyang gidangatan mao na nga karon mo-file lang gyud ko og action. Tinud-on gyud nako sir, para maleksyon pud siya kay para dili na mabuhat sa uban," the father said.

The principal said her granddaughter was also affected because of the incident and she also plans to consult a lawyer. (FREEMAN)