By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Authorities are investigating allegations of voyeurism involving a teacher during the Iloilo (Confesor) Council Provincial Jamboree in Barangay Libot, Calinog, on Nov. 25.
The suspect, a 57-year-old male teacher, allegedly used his cellphone to record a video of a 31-year-old female teacher inside a makeshift bathroom at Camp Hinilawod.
The Department of Education’s (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo confirmed that it has initiated legal actions against the accused teacher.
“DepEd prioritizes the safety and well-being of learners and participants in all activities under its purview, and such behavior, if proven, is unequivocally condemned,” the agency said in a statement issued Nov. 26.
The department also stressed its commitment to addressing the incident thoroughly and assured the public it does not tolerate misconduct that endangers its employees or participants.
DepEd said it is coordinating with local authorities, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), and other agencies to investigate and ensure accountability.
It also promised to provide psychosocial support to those affected and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, and exploitation.
BSP Council Condemns Incident
Iloilo 3rd District Board Member and BSP Council Chairman Matt Palabrica strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a breach of the event’s integrity.
“This is unacceptable, especially since it happened during a BSP Council event,” Palabrica told Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo.
He emphasized that such incidents undermine the values of respect and integrity that the organization aims to instill in scouts.
The BSP Confesor Council’s legal committee has launched its own investigation and will submit findings to the BSP National Council, which will decide on any disciplinary action.
Legal Action and Public Outcry
Authorities said the female teacher immediately reported the incident, leading to the male teacher’s citizen’s arrest. He was subsequently turned over to the police.
The suspect has been charged with violating the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313). However, he was released after posting bail.
