JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said the Antipolo City Prosecutors Office is coordinating with the police for a case build-up in connection with the death of a Grade 5 student in the city days after he was allegedly slapped by his teacher.
The PNP Forensic Laboratory has yet to release the official autopsy report on the cause of death of Francis Jay Gumikib, the 14-year-old student of Penafrancia Elementary School who was allegedly slapped by his teacher.
“The autopsy to determine the cause of death of Francis Gumikib is ongoing. The DOJ, through the Committee on the Special Protection of Children, has already directed the Office of the City Prosecutor of Antipolo City to coordinate with law enforcement agencies on the investigation and case build-up on any offenses that may have been committed in relation to the death of and or abuse perpetrated against Francis Gumikib,” the DOJ said in a statement.
The DOJ earlier this year issued a rule mandating that state prosecutors should work closely with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and case build-up, similar to the US district attorney system.
Remulla said this is meant to ensure that cases being filed in courts are strong enough to secure a conviction.
He also reminded teachers that because they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a child’s life, they must ensure that they will not commit any form of abuse against their learners.
“Any abuse of this trust is a betrayal of the highest order. Likewise, under the DepEd’s Child Protection Policy, there is zero tolerance for any form of abuse or violence. Corporal punishment is prohibited, and the practice thereof may subject the erring teacher or educator to administrative and criminal proceedings,” the DOJ added.
