A social media post on molestation, perpetrated allegedly by a male teacher, that tagged the name of her son as one of the victims has enraged a mother in Oton town, Province of Iloilo.

The alleged perpetrator who teaches at Oton National High School (ONHS) is referred to as a certain "Sir Mar," and a resident of Barangay Poblacion West.

“Sila ang second parent, kahit gusto pa ng bata kasi binigyan nila ng pera, kung gusto man 'yan ng bata, ikaw na teacher, alam mo kung ano ang gagawin mo,” alias “Maria,” the mother said.

Maria narrated that Sir Mar once took with him her son, alias “JJ,” and JJ’s two classmates to his house. It was there that Sir Mar fondled reportedly the boys' privates and offered them money.

"Ni-lock niya ang pintuan at hinawakan ang mga harapan ng mga bata. At umayaw ang bata, in-offeran niya na bibigyan ng pera. Ang anak ko, tumayo at nagsabing ayaw ko,” Maria added.

During the class opening in 2025, JJ went to school but was later reported to have been kicked out because of alleged poor academic performance.

Maria said it was too late when she learned that JJ does not want to go to school because of Sir Mar.

"Simula ng year, hindi na siya masyadong pumapasok kasi ang sabi niya, wala siyang tiwala sa mga teacher,” Maria disclosed further.

Maria has sought the assistance of Oton Police on the concern. Aside from her, two other parents reported to the police of molestation allegedly perpetrated by Sir Mar.

According to police investigation, the students are between 13 years old and 14 years old.

The 13-year old was molested reportedly on August 27, 2025, while the 14-year old on August 29, 2025.

"In-invite sila nitong teacher na mamasyal. Then dinala sila sa lugar na medyo madilim at doon isinagawa ang pangmomolestya sa kanila,” Captain Lunelyn Talamillo, deputy chief of Oton Municipal Police Station, said.

According to Poblacion West Barangay Chairman Jose Benjamin Custodio, the complaint against Sir Mar has surprised them, having known the teacher to be professional and strict.

“Professional at istrikto siya. So ang other side niya na pag-uugali regarding sa ganitong issue is wala kaming idea na may ganyang nangyayari,” Custodio pointed out.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas went to a house where Sir Mark resides purportedly to get his side to the story, but no one faced the team.

The news team also went to ONHS but was not allowed inside. No one accommodated the news team.

However, in an official statement of the ONHS administration, it was pointed out that an investigation has been conducted.

In addition, the school has condemned any form of abuse and assured further safety and protection for its students.

STATEMENT ON ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ABUSE

The Schools Division of Iloilo issued a statement on Friday, October 24, 2025, which reads:

"The Schools Division of Iloilo expresses deep concern over allegations of sexual harassment and abuse involving personnel under its jurisdiction. These allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency."

"We affirm our unwavering commitment to uphold the rights, dignity, and safety of all learners, teachers, and stakeholders within our educational community. In accordance with existing laws - including Republic Act No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act), Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 (Child Protection Policy), and Republic Act No. 4670 (Magna Carta for Public School Teachers) - the DepEd Iloilo is actively coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate legal and administrative procedures are followed."

"The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers guarantees due process and protection for educators in the performance of their duties. As such, while we ensure accountability for any wrongdoing, we also uphold the rights of our teachers to fair and impartial investigation, free from undue public condemnation."

"We appeal to the public, especially on social media platforms, to exercise sobriety and refrain from rendering rash judgments. Let us avoid actions that may further traumatize or stigmatize the individuals involved, particularly our learners and educators. The presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be respected as investigations proceed."

"Psychosocial support is being extended to affected individuals, and mechanisms for confidential reporting remain open. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward through proper channels, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed with compassion and confidentiality."

"The Schools Division of Iloilo stands firm in its zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse. We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all."