Three Grade 8 students at a school in Bacolod City complained against their teacher for alleged molestation.

The students filed their complaint at the Women and Children Protection Desk at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO-WCPD).

The students said that their male teacher had touched them in a lascivious manner at times while inside their classroom.

There were occasions, the students said, that they felt their teacher would rub intentionally his groin area against them.

“Ang complaint nila, hinawakan daw ang kanilang shoulders ng teacher, sometimes. Ang allegation ng minors, kapag dumadaan raw ang teacher sa kanilang upuan, nag-touch daw ang private part ni Sir sa mga bata. But it is not a rape case. Kung (iintindihin) natin ang term na molestya, ang lalim,” said Lt. Rowena Jean Magan, officer in charge of the BCPO-WCPD.

The Department of Education-Division of Bacolod City confirmed that a report on the incident has reached them and that a meeting was conducted on October 23, 2024.

“Ang teacher, inilipat siya sa different grade level until such time na mayroon ng formal complaint. Then, we decide on the status of (the) teacher,” Atty. Jubert Katalbas, legal counsel of DepEd-Division of Bacolod City, said.

DepEd-Division of Bacolod City awaits a formal written complaint of the students, as of posting time.

Investigation is going on.

The students were set for a psychological evaluation with their school’s guidance counselor.

“Nag-adhere din tayo na we consider (him) innocent pa naman no. Wala pa tayong may napatunayan. We have to set a standard, hindi dapat masyadong close sa students para ma-avoid ang ganitong situations,” Atty. Katalbas added.