Teacher punches rowdy student

MANILA, Philippines - A teacher at a public elementary school is in hot water after the family of a student he allegedly punched for misbehaving complained to authorities in Valenzuela City yesterday.

Police said Damaso Lejano, 49, a fourth-grade teacher at the Malinta Elementary School, is facing charges of slight physical injuries in relation to Republic Act 7610, the anti-child abuse law.

Sources said the victim’s parents are also preparing to file administrative charges against Lejano before the Department of Education.

Police Officer 3 Lorena Hernandez, officer-in-charge of the Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk, said the incident happened at around 5 p.m. Monday outside the classroom.

“Teacher Lejano was making us fall in line before entering the classroom after a break when some of my classmates became a bit playful and pushed and shoved at the line. In the excitement, I found myself clapping hard at what was happening. It was then that Teacher Lejano punched me” in the head and belly, the student, a nine-year-old boy, said.

The boy’s mother said she “will not agree to a settlement should he offer any. (We) will see him in court.” Lejano could not be reached for comment.