Probe ordered into assault on teacher in Davao de Oro school

The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Davao de Oro has ordered an investigation into an incident at a school in Maco town where students assaulted a teacher.

In a statement on Wednesday, the division said it has directed Elizalde National High School to conduct a comprehensive investigation. It also instructed the school principal to submit an incident report.

The two high school students assaulted the 55-year-old teacher inside the gymnasium on July 27, 2026 after the teacher reportedly reprimanded one of the students for violating the school's policy on wearing earrings.

The teacher sustained injuries after the student and his brother allegedly attacked him before other students intervened.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by the recent incident that occurred in one of our schools and assure the public that the matter is being addressed with utmost seriousness, fairness, and due diligence,” reads part of the statement.

The division also said it does not tolerate any form of violence or misconduct in schools and assured the public that the incident is being addressed and investigated “fairly, objectively, and in accordance with existing DepEd policies and procedures.”

“The safety, welfare, and well-being of our learners and personnel remain our foremost priority,” the statement added.

The division also said it has launched its own initial fact-finding process in coordination with the school concerned to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure appropriate interventions are provided.

The division said the students involved are receiving assistance through the school’s guidance services, while the teacher is also being provided with necessary support as the matter is being reviewed.

“We respectfully appeal to parents, guardians, stakeholders, and the public to allow the investigation to proceed without prejudice and to refrain from sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary harm or misunderstanding,” the statement read. —GMA Regional TV News