The teacher clarified that although his hand “landed” on the face of the deceased 14-year-old grade 5 pupil, it was not strong, according to the Antipolo police.
In an interview this Tuesday with GTV “Balita Ko,” Police Executive Master Sergeant Divina Rafael, chief of the Antipolo City Police Women’s and Children’s Desk, said that she spoke with the accused teacher who slapped the victim, Francis Jay Gumikib.
Francis passed away this Monday at the hospital, 11 days after he was rushed there after complaining of dizziness.
According to the hospital, there was bleeding in the victim’s brain.
The family suspects that it is related to the teacher’s alleged slapping of Francis on September 20.
The boy was taken to the hospital on September 26, and later died.
According to Rafael, he went to the school this Monday, and the principal is said to be in the teacher’s custody where he talked to him.
“Paliwanag po niya although yung kamay niya ay dumapo sa mukha ng bata, ang sabi niya po hindi naman daw po malakas yung pangyayari,” said Rafael.
The official said they would wait for the official autopsy results performed on the victim’s body to determine the true cause of his death.
It is said that the teacher may be charged with homicide and violation of Republic Act 7610 or Anti-child abuse law.
Teacher who allegedly killed student with a slap explains side
According to Rafael, the victim’s parents are determined to file a complaint against the teacher.
In a separate report by Super Radyo dzBB, the school’s principal said that the teacher denied slapping the victim and instead “patting” the child’s cheek.
The Department of Education-Antipolo formed a fact-finding investigation team to investigate the incident.
In a statement, DepEd-Antipolo extended its condolences to the bereaved family of Francis, a grade 5 student from Peñafrancia Elementary School.
“As the Disciplining Authority, the Office of the Regional Director has issued an Order designating a Fact-Finding Investigation Team and directing the committee to conduct immediate, cautious, and comprehensive fact-finding investigation in recognition of the right of both parties to be heard as part of due process,” it stated.
“We are saddened by the death of our dear learner and we express our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family. Rest assured that the Department recognizes the best interests of our learners as primordial consideration,” it added.
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