Students protest alleged teacher sexual harassment incidents at Parañaque school

Students of Parañaque National High School, joined by members of Kabataan Partylist, staged a protest on Monday against alleged sexual harassment of students by some teachers.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Oscar Oida, protesters claimed that the sexual harassment incidents have been ongoing for a long time.

“Mga panghihipo, on the spot nakita namin during meetings, during gatherings nakita namin. Ano ba yung mga hipo hipo na yan?” said an individual who claimed to be a former student.

“Pero yun pala, yung mga panghihipo na yan, may background na din pala yan,” he added.

(During meetings and gatherings, we witnessed the groping firsthand. What was up with all that touching. As it turns out, there was already a history behind those incidents.)

The Parañaque Police, who were also present at the protest, said the authorities have started investigations into the incident.

“Makipag-coordinate sila sa Women's and Children’s Protection Desk natin, kung ‘yung complainant ay willing na mag-complain andon kami,” Parañaque Police Chief P/Col. Nicolas Piñon said.

(They can coordinate with our Women and Children’s Protection Desk. If the complainants are willing to come forward, we are here to assist them.)

Amid the demonstration, several school officials appeared on the scene. Among them is Rene Javillonar, the School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) President.

“Pwede naman po nating pag-usapan sa AVR, and all the concerns naman po nila is mapag-uusapan,” Javillonar said.

(We can discuss this in the AVR [Audio-Visual Room], and all of their concerns will be addressed.)

He assured that all concerns of the students will be addressed by the principal and school administration.

“Natapos na po yung meeting namin kanina at meron na pong action ang DO niyan para sa estudyante. All the victims, ginagather na po lahat ng information niyan,” Javillonar added.

(Our meeting just concluded, and the DO [Division Office] has already taken action regarding the students. We are currently gathering all information from all the victims.)

The school principal declined an interview with GMA News, according to staff representatives.

In a statement, the Department of Education Parañaque Schools Division Office said that it immediately started an investigation after receiving reports on the incident.

“The Schools Division Office of Parañaque has received reports and information, including videos circulating on social media, concerning alleged acts of sexual abuse involving certain teachers and learner,” the statement read.

The division office said that it has been coordinating with authorities for the necessary legal and administrative proceedings abiding with laws, regulation, and procedures.

“We wish to assure our learners, parents, personnel, and stakeholders that these allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness, urgency, and impartiality,” the statement added.

In Oida’s report, Kabataan Partylist said they are determined to help the victims. As of writing, three students have already reached out for their help. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/BAP, GMA News