Quezon City school probes teacher-student affair

MANILA, Philippines - The authorities of a private school in Quezon City started yesterday an investigation into allegations that one of its teachers was having an affair with a seventh-grade student.

Randolf Sanchez, scoutmaster and CAT commandant at Jubilee Christian Academy (JCA), has not presented himself before school officials since he left the premises last Monday, avoiding the 13-year-old girl’s parents and police who went to the school.

Police believe Sanchez was tipped off and has gone into hiding.

Homer Dugenia, the school’s human resources head, told The STAR that when representatives of the school went to Sanchez’s house in San Andres Bukid, Manila to serve to him the “notice of charge,” only his parents were at the residence.

Dugenia said only a person who introduced himself as Sanchez’s lawyer has called up a school official.

An official statement from the school sent to members of the media late Wednesday reiterated that Sanchez has been placed on preventive suspension following complaints made by the girl’s parents on Monday.

“To date, the school is conducting investigation on this matter and has already issued a notice of charge to Mr. Sanchez,” the statement said.

Dugenia said that with the notice of charge, Sanchez has been formally informed of the allegations made by the girl’s parents against him.

“JCA recognizes its primordial responsibilities to care for its students and will take all necessary measures to protect their welfare,” the school said. “JCA also believes in affording everyone the right to be heard before passing any judgment.” – Reinir Padua