Sara gives DepEd until October 9 to finish probe into Grade 5 ‘slapped’ student death

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sara Duterte has given the Department of Education until today, October 9, to wrap up its investigation into a teacher's alleged physical maltreatment of a Grade 5 student.

While an autopsy is still needed to determine Francis Jay Gumikib's death, Duterte said in a statement on Sunday that she has ordered DepEd CALABARZON office to possibly file charges related to child abuse against the teacher who slapped the Peñafrancia Elementary School student.

Gumikib died from brain swelling on October 2 — at least 11 days after he was allegedly hit by his teacher during a test and at least nine days after he was taken to the hospital.

His mother said in a radio interview last week that her son complained of headaches and extreme nausea in the days that followed the alleged physical abuse on September 20.

In her statement about her visit to Gumikib's wake, the vice president said she vowed to help Gumikib's parents file a complaint if the autopsy results point to the physical maltreatment as the cause of their son's demise.

DepEd is also set to provide psychological first aid to Gumikib's parents and siblings, Duterte said.

The department is also exploring blended learning options to allow Gumikib's siblings "traumatized" by his death to continue their studies, Duterte added.

Gumikib's body was brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City for an autopsy on October 4.

His death certificate indicates that he died from global brain edema or a swelling of the brain.

The 17 year-old also experienced a brain hemorrhage days leading up to his death, Gumikib's mother told a radio interview last week citing her son's x-ray results.

Through DepEd Order No. 40, the department implements a zero-tolerance policy for all acts of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination bullying and other forms of abuse.

Specifically, the Child Protection Policy forbids teachers from using corporal punishment to discipline a student, which refers to any disciplinary act involving "physical, humiliating, or degrading punishment."