MANILA (August 18)—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the abuse of four elementary school teachers perpetrated by an unarmed suspect in the municipality of Ocampo in Camarines Sur province.
The Department of Education (DepEd) said that on Aug. 8, 2022, the teachers were preparing for the school opening when they were harassed inside the campus.
The police investigation also revealed that the suspect took the cellphones and cash of the teachers.
In a statement, lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR executive director, said it is “reprehensible that valuable and committed teachers suffered such a brazen act of abuse.”
“It is also utterly alarming that this gender-based violence happened on school grounds, which are supposed to be safe havens for learners and teachers,” she said.
The CHR noted that as a gender ombudsman, its office in Region 5 is now conducting motu propio probe to aid in ensuring justice will be given to the teachers.
An initial investigation was conducted on Aug. 10, 2022.
“We call on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all local agencies to ensure swift accountability for the attacker,” de Guia said.
She added that this kind of traumatic abuse and crime within schools must be resolved for the redress of victims and to deter similar incidents.
The CHR said it recognizes the immediate action being done by the DepEd in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Budget and Management in signing a joint memorandum circular that allows the use of the Special Education Fund to hire at least one security personnel for each school.
It said the use of schools as isolation facilities, quarantine facilities, and long-term evacuation centers will also be prohibited by the issuance to limit the use of school facilities and classrooms for learners and school personnel only.
The joint issuance is a concrete step in institutionalizing tighter security and in preventing attacks in school zones, the CHR added.
Meanwhile, the CHR also urged the PNP to implement proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of campuses and their vicinities in preparation for the school opening.
The CHR said addressing and preventing security concerns in schools deserve priority, considering that most school personnel are women and given the vulnerability of young learners.
“In line with our mandate, the CHR is willing and ready to work with DepEd and other agencies in strengthening measures for the protection and welfare of teachers and children in schools,” de Guia said. LCD