DepEd appeals to parents, media after 3 rape incidents involving students

Alarmed by recent incidents of rape involving students, the Department of Education (DepEd) has appealed for vigilance to prevent children's abuse and exploitation.

"The DepEd, the foremost government agency mandated to promote and protect the welfare of young learners, appeals to the community to be increasingly vigilant and proactive in preventing and deterring incidents that result in the abuse, exploitation, and discrimination against children," it said in a statement posted on Tuesday night.

The DepEd said it issued the statement following reports about a 12-year-old girl allegedly raped by her five schoolmates in Malabon City.

It also cited the reported rape of a Grade 10 student by five minors in Sta. Maria, Bulacan and the rape incident of an 11-year-old student and four schoolmates in Ajuy, Iloilo.

The agency said investigations on the three cases by the concerned schools' legal offices are ongoing "to ensure justice" for the victims.

The DepEd also said that it is looking for necessary actions for rehabilitation of the victims and those responsible for the rape incidents.

"The teachers’ commitment to instilling in children the proper values and respect for fellow people must be complemented by the guidance of parents and guardians, and by the responsibility of media and of the community," it said.

It added: "These are young, pliant minds – eager to learn and absorb information, beliefs, values, perspectives, ideas. The burden of accountability and the necessity to ensure that they develop into upright and productive citizens, lie equally on the shoulders of the education system, the government, and the community." —ALG, GMA News