The Department of Education (DepEd) 7 will still be investigating the alleged physical abuse against a 10-year-old student by a teacher of the Lagtang Elementary School in Valencia last week, even after the boy’s parents and the accused reached an amicable settlement.
According to Desiderio Deligero, chief of DepEd Bohol’s School Governance and Operations Division, they have already submitted to their regional office an incident report, details on the settlement and a promissory note from the accused, Liza Baleon, 28.
Baleon was accused of punching one of her students and scraping his face with her fingernails while in class on June 14.
“Kuyog sa incident report naa pud tong amicable settlement nga gipirmahan sa ginikanan sa bata, mga kagawad didto ug kadtong mga maestra. Naa pud tong promisory note sa maestra nga amo nang gi-fax padung sa regional office,” said Deligero.
Deligero noted that their office forwarded the case to the DepEd 7 as the department’s regional director has the disciplining authority over teachers.
“Depende nana sa regional director kay siya man ang disciplining authority dili man ang superintendent,” said Deligero on the possible administrative sanction which could be imposed against Baleon.
Based on the incident report received by DepEd Bohol, the boy was seen writing on his wrist using a pen and was combative when Baleon called his attention.
“Matod pa sa incident report nga kaning maestra nagklase. Naka-kita siya sa tattoo diri sa iyang kamot sa pulsohan dapit, unya nag-gunit pud siya’g gunting. Ang maestra mibadlong pero ang bata murag ming-sukol man. Mi-ingon ang bata ‘musokol gani ko sa akong nanay’,” said Deligero.
Under Section 15 of DepEd Order No. 40 series of 2012, child abuse, violence against children and corporal punishment are prohibited.
Violators “shall be penalized in administrative proceedings as grave or simple misconduct depending on the gravity of the act and its consequences,” the order stipulates. (Rey Tutas)