Student ‘slapped’ by teacher died from brain swelling

MANILA, Philippines — The Grade 5 student who was allegedly slapped by his teacher in Antipolo City died from swelling in the brain, according to his death certificate.

The cause of death of Jay Gumikib, 14, is ”global brain edema or swelling of the brain.” The antecedent cause is ”acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage.”

The death certificate listed ”presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse” as the other factors contributing to his death.

Gumikib’s body was brought to the police forensic group at Camp Crame on Wednesday for autopsy.

Antipolo police chief Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo said a complaint of homicide in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act would be filed against the teacher if autopsy will show that the boy died due to physical abuse.

If the autopsy result is inconclusive, police said it would file a complaint against the teacher for physical injuries.

The Department of Justice ordered the prosecutor’s office of Antipolo to coordinate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and case buildup.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights has initiated an investigation into the incident as it expressed concern over recent cases of violence committed against children.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition said it commiserates with the family of the student, but asked the public to withhold judgment pending the result of the investigation.

”Only a thorough and scientific investigation can give a conclusion as to whether the said slap was indeed the cause of the child’s death,” the TDC said in a statement. — Daphne Galvez, Neil Jayson Servallos