DOJ files raps vs. teacher for sexual abuse, exploitation of 2 minors

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday that it has filed charges before a Tarlac court against a teacher for child sexual abuse and exploitation.

According to the DOJ, victims AAA and BBB were aged 13-years-old and 6-years-old at the time of the incident, respectively.

“Records also show that respondent intimidated both AAA and BBB, used his position as the school teacher, and lured AAA and BBB, on different dates to go to his office by giving them P100 and a sandwich so he can satisfy his lustful desire,” it said.

The DOJ also said it found his actions were “premeditated” and were carried out with a clear intent to abuse the trust and innocence of the victims. 

AAA, then a Grade 6 student, said the respondent had repeatedly invited him to private locations where he was sexually abused. 

Meanwhile, the department said victim BBB testified that the respondent frequently invited him to his office and would kiss him on the cheeks and lips.

“It has been established that although respondent… was not BBB’s immediate teacher, who was in Grade 2 at that time, he was a teacher for Grade 4 at the same elementary school that BBB attended,” it said.

“Despite not being BBB's direct educator, respondent… abused his position of authority to manipulate and subject BBB to inappropriate conduct. This was done under the threat of damaging BBB's reputation, exploiting the child's fear of authority, and leveraging his role as a teacher,” it added.

The Justice Department said the accused was charged for Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Lascivious Conduct under the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. 

He was also charged for Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, as well as the Revised Penal Code.  

“This is a testament of the DOJ's unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, especially in cases involving the most vulnerable members of our society,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the DOJ urged the public to remain vigilant and report any known incident of child abuse and exploitation. —RF, GMA Integrated News