The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) decided to conduct its own investigation into reports of “sexual abuse and exploitation” of students in Cavite and Camarines Norte.
To be probed are allegations that six teachers of the Bacoor National High School in Cavite conducted activities that include "grooming" their students for sex and using suggestive and sexual innuendos during class.
It lauded the Department of Education (DepEd) for immediately conducting an investigation in the Cavite case.
Also to be investigated by CHR is the reported case of a Camarines Norte Grade 5 student who was verbally abused by the teacher for failure to accomplish a writing activity.
CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that it is "concerning" how these teachers, who have been tasked to educate young children, have allegedly been involved in actions that are unbecoming of the role of educators over the past few weeks.
"Both cases, if confirmed to be true, are condemnable incidents that betray the trust children and parents put on schools as safe havens for learning," De Guia, a lawyer, said.
She said the CHR has been reminding educational institutions to always uphold the best interest of the child and make sure that learning and development conditions remain conducive.
"As schools have re-opened, we urge DepEd to continue working with educational institutions in strengthening reporting, prevention, and remedial measures in addressing exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other acts of abuse," she added.