DOJ directs prosecutors to coordinate with cops on probe of 'slapped' student

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it has directed Antipolo prosecutors to coordinate with law enforcement agencies on the investigation and case build-up on the death of the grade 5 student who died after he was allegedly slapped by a teacher.

In a statement, the DOJ said it also condemns any act of violence or abuse against children.

“Child abuse in any form is an abhorrent violation of children's rights and a crime that should never be tolerated. Children, especially learners, deserve a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive without fear of abuse,” it said.

“The DOJ would like to remind teachers/educators that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a child's life. Thus, any abuse of this trust is a betrayal of the highest order,” it added.

Citing investigation reports, the DOJ said the late 14-year-old Francis Jay Gumikib experienced severe headache, dizziness, earache, and vomiting.

He was admitted to the hospital on September 26 when his condition worsened. There, the doctors found internal bleeding in his brain which eventually caused him to go into a coma.

Gumikib passed away on October 2, Monday.

The Philippine National Police Forensic Laboratory has just finished its autopsy on the body of Gumikib.

PNP-FG public information officer Police Major Rodrigo Sotero Jr. told said the autopsy was done in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

“Kahapon po ginawa ang autopsy. Past 12 noon po dumating at around 4 p.m. po tapos na (The autopsy was done yesterday around past 12 noon was finished around 4 p.m.),” he told GMA News Online.

“As of now ay wala pa po. But the autopsy report will be released po seven working days after the autopsy (As of now, there are no results yet. But the autopsy report will be released seven working days after the autopsy),” he added.

Death certificate

Gumikib’s death certificate showed that he died due to global brain edema, with an antecedent cause of acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage or bleeding into the brain tissue.

Indicated in the document are other significant conditions contributing to his death, including presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse.

Elena Minggoy, the victim’s mother, said she was not aware that her son was suffering from any illness prior to his death.

However, she said Gumikib exhibited several symptoms when he was rushed to the hospital including headache, eye pain, vomiting, and earache.

The elementary student also vomited blood in the emergency room and was later diagnosed with a lung disease.

A fact-finding investigation team was formed to look into the incident, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office said on Tuesday. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News