CHR conducts own probe on 'slapped' student's death

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation into the death of a 14-year-old student from Antipolo City days after he was allegedly slapped by his teacher.

"The Commission deplores all acts which pose threats to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children. We underscore the importance of recognizing the individuality and rights of children whose physical and mental vulnerabilities should not relegate them from receiving equal and proper treatment from adults who are supposedly responsible for their welfare and protection,” CHR said in a statement on Thursday.

Francis Jay Gumikib, a grade 5 student from Peñafrancia Elementary School, slipped into a coma and eventually died a few days after he was allegedly slapped by his Filipino subject teacher.

Gumikib’s death certificate showed that he died due to global brain edema, with an antecedent cause of acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage or bleeding into the brain tissue.

Noted as other significant conditions contributing to his death were presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse.

Aside from Gumikib’s case, the CHR also expressed concern over the rape and killing of a 3-year-old girl from Sultan Kudarat allegedly by her 72-year-old neighbor.

The commission extended its condolences to the bereaved families of the two children, hoping that its independent investigation will help seek justice and accountability from the perpetrators.

It also urged concerned government agencies to provide support and assistance to the victims' families.

“We enjoin the government to establish and strengthen legislative, administrative and social measures that will secure children’s safety wherever they may be in line with the State's obligation to ensure the protection of children as one of the vulnerable sectors,” it added.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) announced on Tuesday that a fact-finding investigation team was formed to look into the death of Gumikib.

“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,” the SDO said.

It also mentioned that the school principal had assigned an alternate teacher to handle the classes of the involved teacher, who is currently on “official leave.” —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News