DepEd Antipolo probes student's death after teacher's alleged slap

A fact-finding investigation team was formed to look into the death of an Antipolo City elementary school student who died after allegedly being slapped by his Filipino subject teacher last September 20, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office announced Tuesday.

In a statement, DepEd Antipolo condoled with the bereaved family of Francis Jay Gumikib - the grade 5 student from Peñafrancia Elementary School who died days after allegedly being slapped.

The SDO said the school principal had assigned an alternate teacher to handle the classes of the involved teacher, who is currently on “official leave.”

“As the disciplining authority, the Office of the Regional Director has issued an order designating a fact-finding investigation team and directing the committee to conduct immediate, cautious, and comprehensive fact-finding investigation in recognition of the right of both parties to be heard as part of due process,” it added.

The incident and narrative reports were also forwarded to the Office of the Regional Director of the DepEd Region IV-A for information and appropriate action.

DepEd Antipolo said it also created a team of select registered guidance counselors, school health nutrition unit representatives, youth formation development coordinators, education program supervisor in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, child protection specialist, and a focal person “to help and assist with the possible interventions like reorientation on Child Protection Policy of all concerned stakeholders, and debriefing of concerned learners and teachers.”

“We are saddened by the death of our dear learner, and we express our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family. Rest assured that the Department recognizes the best interests of our learners as primordial consideration,” the SDO added.

Dumikib’s mother earlier said that her son had an earache after he was slapped by his teacher. He also lost his balance, vomited, and was taken to hospital.

Based on the hospital record, the student had a brain hemorrhage and died eleven days after being hospitalized.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development CALABARZON would assist the deceased student's family, providing financial assistance for medical and funeral expenses.

“Social workers from the DSWD Field Office 4A have taken immediate action to support the bereaved family of Francis and provide them with essential assistance during this difficult time,” said Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Group and DSWD Spokesperson Romel Lopez.

The Department is already working with other relevant government agencies to ensure that the Gumikib family will receive the necessary assistance while the case progresses.

“We will closely coordinate with the authorities and concerned agencies to ensure the welfare of the bereaved family,” said Lopez. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News