OTON National High School in Oton town, Iloilo province.
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd) has started investigating a male teacher in Iloilo province after allegations of sexual harassment and abuse surfaced this week.
Two students of Oton National High School (ONHS) in Oton town were allegedly molested by a male teacher.
“These allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency,” said DepEd-Iloilo in a statement on Friday, Oct. 24.
“We affirm our zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse. We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all,” DepEd-Iloilo added.
The agency is coordinating with the Oton Municipal Police Station and higher DepEd offices to look into the criminal and administrative aspects of the incident.
DepEd Iloilo and ONHS School Principal Darwin A. Haro appealed for sobriety from the public as the allegation is spreading in social media.
“Let us avoid actions that may further traumatize or stigmatize the individuals involved, particularly our learners and educators. The presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be respected as investigations proceed,” they said.