RTU confirms student death on campus as student leaders call for justice

MANILA, Philippines — A university in Metro Manila has confirmed that one of its high school students died on campus last week and vowed to be transparent about the investigation into the circumstances behind his demise.

In a statement last Thursday, Rizal Technological University (RTU) expressed grief over the death of one of the school’s Grade 7 students, “which transpired within the confines of our campus.” 

The university did not provide any more details about the incident but said that it has launched a probe into the circumstances related to the student’s death, acknowledging that there may be “questions and concerns within our community regarding this incident.”

“We are committed to being transparent and communicative as we continue to investigate and address the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, however, let us allow our authorities to conduct a proper investigation first,” RTU said.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff,” the university said.

Philstar.com has reached out to RTU for a response and has not received a response as of posting.

School officials have also asked the public to reach out to the university’s official communication channels for any information or concerns related to the death of its Grade 7 student.

RTU has also begun providing in-person counseling services on its campuses and online guidance and assistance services.

Call for justice, ‘humane academic policies’

Student leaders of the university have also issued a statement “(demanding) peace and justice for the lost life of the 7th grade student” amid authorities’ ongoing probe into the circumstances that led to his passing.

Along with its expression of grief for the death of the student, the RTU Supreme Student Council said that it is calling on the RTU administration to grant students’ demands for “student-centered, gender-sensitive and humane academic policies.”

“We cannot afford to lose another soul. We must act in solidarity to raise pressing issues that affect the students and the whole RTU community. Prioritize the students' well-being and welfare,” the student council said.

The student council has also called on the university's academic community to wear black on Wednesday to "honor the memory of the Grade 7 student... whose bright future was tragically cut short." In a post, the student council said that it is advocating for "safer schools and a world where no student's potential is lost too soon."  

In a reply to Philstar.com’s request for comment, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it is currently coordinating the matter with the DepEd National Capital Region office and that there is “no statement as of the moment.”