Teachers of 'missing' students to face charges too —CIDG

The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Wednesday vowed to file cases against teachers of students allegedly recruited by leftist organizations.

“We will be filing cases against the teachers for child abuse in relation to Child and Youth Welfare Act,” PNP-CIDG director Major General Amador Corpus said during the hearing of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee.

He said the law states that the teacher is liable for child abuse if he or she will fail to inform the parents or guardian that a child is no longer going to school for five days or more.

“It says there after 5 days na hindi pumapasok ang bata, the parent or guardian should be informed. Failure on the part of the teacher, they will be liable for child abuse,” he said.

Asked by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, committee chairman, on how the PNP-CIDG would identify the teachers, Corpus said they will coordinate with the parents of the students.

“We will be coordinating with the complainants for the identification of the teachers. Once we have the pieces of evidence, appropriate cases will be filed,” said Corpus.

The PNP-CIDG earlier filed charges of kidnapping and violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act; and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity against the group Anakbayan for allegedly recruiting minors. 

Named respondents were Charie del Rosario, Bianca Gacos, Jayroven Villafuente Balais, Anakbayan national president Vencer Crisostomo, and Anakbayan secretary general Einsten Recedes. —KBK, GMA News