TACLOBAN CITY-The Department of Education (DepEd)-Leyte Division has launched an investigation following a viral video that involved a public school teacher allegedly imposing a punishment on a group of students through “squatting.”
“Upon promptly receiving the video, DepEd-Leyte immediately conducted validation of the facts directly at the school. Upon hearing the facts, the team convened with the school head and the concerned teacher,” it said in a statement.
“Subsequently, the Office initiated collaboration with the legal office to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident,” it added.
The video was posted on Facebook by a netizen on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
According to the division office, the incident took place at an elementary school in Burauen town.
In the information gathered by Leyte Samar Daily Express, a prior incident allegedly happened in the school wherein a group of students “bullied” another student on October 18, 2023 during a scouting activity.
The students allegedly undressed the victim and inserted their fingers into his anus.
Upon learning of the incident, the victim’s parents reported it to the teacher, who became the subject of the viral video.
According to the source, the teacher inquired the group of students in the video about who was the culprit in the alleged bullying on October 18.
Amid the incident, the Leyte Division reassured the public that “any concerns or issues concerning learners’ rights and protection will be handled with the utmost urgency.”
“Its primary objective is to ensure the creation of a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment for all students,” it stressed.
Meanwhile, the division office maintained that it is “committed to upholding the learners’ rights and protection.”
“It is firm in its stance against all forms of violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and any other manifestations of abuse within the educational system,” it said.
(RONALD O. REYES)
