Girl, 8, allegedly raped by teacher inside school in Tarlac

An eight-year-old student was allegedly raped by her own class adviser at a school in Tarlac. 

According to Jonathan Andal’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the 23-year-old male suspect allegedly sexually abused the Grade 3 student inside the dirty kitchen extension of their classroom.

The suspect called it the “confession room” while the young victim called it the “dark room.” 

“Loida,” the victim’s mother, sensed that something was off with her child when the girl said she no longer wanted to go to school.

The girl’s mother also observed that her daughter has begun talking by herself and kept mentioning her teacher’s name.

“Nato-trauma yung anak ko. Lagi niyang sinasabi, ‘Mama, dark room, ayaw kong pumasok sa dark room,’” the mother tearfully said.

(My child was traumatized. She keeps on saying, ‘Mama, I don’t want to go inside the dark room.’)

There were three other students who were also reportedly brought to the so-called “dark room.”

Yet, it was only Loida’s daughter who was allegedly molested on Wednesday during school hours. 

The victim’s parents immediately reported the abuse to the police. The male teacher was arrested while on duty.

The suspect only spent a night in jail and was released after the prosecutor ordered his release. The suspect’s lawyer also maintained that his client’s arrest was illegal. 

“Based po dun sa ating prosecutor, ang kanyang recommendation is not sufficient for inquest proceedings, but sufficient for conduct of preliminary investigation and released for further investigation ang atin pong suspect,” said Paniqui Police chief Police Lt. Col. Samuel Quibet.

(The prosecutor’s recommendation was that it was not sufficient for inquest proceedings, but sufficient for conduct of preliminary investigation. The suspect was released for further investigation.)

GMA Integrated News visited the school where the teacher is working, but the school president said that the suspect was already serving a suspension.

The school president also said the “dark room” where the sexual abuse allegedly happened has been already locked.

CCTVs will be installed in the school premises and a “no touch” policy between teachers and students will be enforced, the report said. The school said it will also talk to both parties.

Meanwhile, the suspect told GMA Integrated News that he cannot speak on the matter as advised by his lawyer.

The victim’s mother however called for justice to be served for her daughter.

“Hustisya po ang kailangan ko, kaya nanawagan po ako, maawa na kayo.” 

(I need justice, that is why I am appealing [to you], please have mercy.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News