[TRIGGER WARNING, SENSITIVE CONTENT]

The college instructor who figured in a viral audio recording inciting his students to inflict self-harm is no longer connected with the University of Cebu (UC).

This was confirmed by UC Chancellor Candice Gotianuy in a Facebook post on March 18, 2024.

"He is no longer connnected with the University of Cebu. His mother, who was a teacher, has also followed suit," Gotianuy said. 

Gotianuy ordered a one-week suspension of classes for the students affected.

"I am suspending classes for one week for the students concerned; 30 psychiatrists, psychologists, guidance counselors, and SAOs will stay at UC-B [Banilad] this week. Each student will be reporting to a counselor," she added.

ERRING TEACHER

UC launched an investigation on the instructor who urged students to inflict self-harm during class. 

In an audio recording that went viral, the teacher was heard saying it is a pleasure to watch students inflict harm upon themselves.

“I would love it gyud if mag-[“s” word] mo. It’s the greatest pleasure to cause your death,” the teacher said.

He also told the students to put the act on video. 

Gotianuy said the teacher's act disgusted her and the university does not condone "any act of self-harm or the encouragement of such."

“I normally use neutral language in addressing topics of concern. Apologies for this raw statement. University of Cebu does not condone any act of self-harm or the encouragement of such. I am disgusted by the actions of this person - I cannot even call him a teacher,” Gotianuy said.

Earlier, she confirmed the teacher’s suspension while investigation was being conducted.

“The law requires due process. A preventive suspension is required before a possible termination. “Possible” is used again because of due process,” Gotianuy said in a post. 

“I am ordering the Legal Team to preventively suspend this person. We will not allow him to be in contact with students for your own safety. He will not be allowed on campus,” she added.

“Also, I am directing all Guidance Counselors from all campuses to be in Banilad on Monday. They will be there to counsel students and teachers who are affected. It is completely understandable that this is triggering. Especially as there has been a rise in mental health awareness post-pandemic,” Gotianuy also pointed out.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

UC, in an official statement, said that the incident has already come to the attention of the administrators.

“We wish to address an incident that has come to our attention involving a member of our faculty who reportedly used inappropriate language in communication with students. The University of Cebu does not condone such conduct and is immediately conducting an investigation against the teacher and anyone involved,” UC said.

UC gave the assurance that the school “takes the well-being of all students and staff [members] very seriously.” 

“In accordance with our policies and ethical guidelines, an investigation is currently being conducted to understand the context and circumstances of this incident fully. Moreover, we are providing support to all those affected by this situation through our counseling services,” the statement reads. 

UC called on the public to stop the further spread of the recording because of its probable harmful consequences.

“During this period of inquiry, we earnestly request our community members to refrain from commenting on or sharing social media posts related to this incident. Spreading unverified information can have harmful consequences not only to the personnel involved but also to our community as a whole, and may, furthermore, hinder the investigative process,” UC added.