By Dolly Yasa and Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The mother of a high school teacher who was allegedly punched by her 15-year-old student said they will press charges against the latter.
The mother, who requested anonymity, told Aksyon Radyo on Thursday that they are finalizing the statements of witnesses and medical documents before filing charges against the student.
She said the incident caused them embarrassment and caused trauma to her daughter.
A report by Aksyon Radyo indicated that the incident happened Feb 26, 2020 at the office of the principal of the Raymund Tiongson National High School-Suay Extension.
The 23-year-old teacher Kristel Anne Valencia claimed she asked the student to explain why he has been sending her lewd pictures and text messages.
But instead of answering, the student allegedly punched the teacher’s head, pulled her hair, and shoved her face into the sofa.
The student, who allegedly suffered from behavioral and psychological disorders, was pacified by teachers outside the principal’s office.
The principal, who is said to be a relative of the student, was not around during the incident.
The case is being investigated by the Himamaylan Schools Division.
A medical certificate signed by Dr. Ma. Cecilia Amante said the teacher suffered cerebral concussion secondary to blunt trauma and was advised to rest for several days
The student meanwhile was ordered to continue his studies at home through modular methods.
PROBE
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is already investigating the incident.
Based on Valencia’s sworn affidavit executed before the City Prosecutor’s Office, her 16-year-old student, who is the grandson of the school’s teacher-in-charge (TIC), allegedly hit her head, pulled her hair, and pushed her to the sofa while she was talking to him inside the principal’s office on February 26.
Valencia talked to the student upon advice of the TIC, after she allegedly received disturbing messages from him via social media.
The TIC learned about it when Valencia forwarded the messages to their Facebook chat group to inform other teachers.
But when Valencia asked the student his reason for doing it, he denied, claiming it was not him.
She also asked him about his previous mistakes but he reportedly got mad and instead asked why he was being unfairly blamed for everything.
Valencia said the student then hit her, prompting her to call for help from her co-teachers, who pacified them.
She also said that the student’s mother, who is also a teacher, came in and allegedly threatened to sue her.
Valencia reported the incident to the police that day.
She also stated in her affidavit that the student was habitually involved in other misdemeanours in the school and also reportedly assaulted teachers per records at their guidance advocates.
Meanwhile, Bernie Libo-on, assistant schools division superintendent in the city, said they are continuously investigating the incident, adding that the student is allegedly undergoing treatment due to his psychological problem.
He said Valencia was transferred to the main campus to lessen her trauma about the incident while the student was placed on a two-week modular study at home.
He said the TIC was attending a seminar when the incident happened. He will also talk to her and the student’s parents to address the concern.
Board Member Ernesto Agustin Bascon, chairman of the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said he was surprised when he learned about the incident.
He is hoping that it will be settled soon for the betterment of the teachers, students, and their families.
