ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo has initiated an investigation and pledged full coordination with law enforcement following allegations that a teacher at Oton National High School sexually abused two minors.
The case came to light after two students, aged 13 and 14, lodged separate complaints with the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Oton Municipal Police Station, accusing the same teacher of molestation.
Police said both victims identified the same suspect, who allegedly brought them to a secluded area where inappropriate physical contact occurred.
Police Captain Lunelyn Talamillo, deputy chief of the Oton Municipal Police Station, said one of the victims reported experiencing three separate incidents of abuse.
“The victims are undergoing psychological assessment, and their families have expressed their determination to pursue legal action against the teacher,” Talamillo told RMN Iloilo.
One of the victims’ mothers recounted her child’s ordeal, claiming that the teacher invited the student and classmate for a meal before bringing the child to his house, where the alleged molestation took place.
She further claimed the teacher gave P600 to the minors afterward, purportedly to silence them.
In a statement, DepEd-Iloilo assured the public that it is treating the allegations with “utmost seriousness and urgency,” emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy against any form of abuse and its commitment to protect learners’ welfare.
“We affirm our commitment to uphold the rights, dignity, and safety of all learners, teachers, and stakeholders within our educational community,” the SDO said. “DepEd Iloilo is actively coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate legal and administrative procedures are followed.”
The division cited the legal frameworks guiding its response, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877), Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), DepEd Child Protection Policy (DO 40, s. 2012), and Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670) — which also guarantees due process for educators.
“While we ensure accountability for any wrongdoing, we also uphold the rights of our teachers to fair and impartial investigation, free from undue public condemnation,” the SDO added.
DepEd-Iloilo urged the public, especially social media users, to avoid spreading unverified claims or making hasty judgments.
“We appeal to the public to exercise sobriety and refrain from rendering rash judgments. Let us avoid actions that may further traumatize or stigmatize the individuals involved,” it said.
The division said psychosocial support is being extended to the victims and their families while encouraging anyone with information to come forward through official channels.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether administrative charges have been filed as police continue their investigation into the allegations./PN
