Ombudsman orders 9 BSU execs dismissed over deadly field trip

Nine officials of the Bulacan State University have been ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed from government service over the deaths of seven students during a field trip in San Miguel town last  year.

 

A report on GMA News' Unang Balita said that among those ordered dismissed from government service for gross neglect of duty were university president Mariano de Jesus and dean of student affairs Nicanor dela Rama.

 

The seven other university officials also ordered dismissed were Nerisa Viola, Angelina Cinco, Mary Jane Lopez, Angeline Dy Tioco, Leslie Garcia, Reynita del Fonso and Rosette Tanwangco.

 

Aside from losing their jobs, the university officials' eligibility were also ordered canceled as well as their retirement benefits.

 

The university officials have yet to issue statements regarding the Ombudsman's ruling.

 

Seven students died after being swept by a strong current while crossing the Madlum River. The students were on their way to the Madlum Cave as part of their field trip.

 

Parents and friends of the victims will commemorate the student's first death anniversary on Wednesday, August 19. —ALG, GMA News