Despite the medico-legal findings that ruled out slapping as the cause of the swelling and hemorrhage of the brain of Francis Jay Gumikib, the Antipolo Police is still bent on pursuing charges of child abuse against the teacher behind the slapping incident at Peńafrancia Elementary School in Antipolo City.

Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio at the wake of Francis Jay Gumikib.

In an interview with Antipolo Police chief Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo prior to the release of the autopsy report on Gumikib, he said the police would still file a criminal complaint against the teacher even if the autopsy report would prove that the slapping was not related to  the victim’s death.

Manongdo said the teacher’s admission of her giving Gumikib a mild slap on his face would be considered in pursuing the filing of violation of Republic Act 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) against the female teacher.

Elen Minggoy, the victim’s mother, said her son was rushed to the hospital on Sept. 26 or six days after the boy was reportedly slapped by his teacher. He died on October 2 a few days after he went into a coma. 

An examination done on Gumikib's body indicated that hemorrhage and swelling of his brain had caused his death.

Minggoy had claimed that she was not aware of his son having any illness.

Police said the family of the student has been informed of the autopsy result.

Minggoy, who was personally informed by Manongdo of the autopsy report, said the family may seek a legal opinion from their religious group as to what actions they may take following the latest development on the cause of death of the grade five student.