CHR probes ‘slapped’ student’s death
The Commission on Human Rights is conducting an independent investigation into the death of a 14-year-old student from Antipolo City days after he was allegedly slapped by a Filipino subject teacher.
Francis Jay Gumikib, a grade 5 student from Peñafrancia Elementary School, reportedly fell into a coma and eventually died eleven after he was hospitalized.
The victim's death certificate showed that Gumikib died due to global brain edema, with an antecedent cause of acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage or bleeding into the brain tissue.
Among other significant conditions contributing to his death were presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse.
In a statement Thursday, CHR urged the government to establish and strengthen legislative, administrative, and social measures that will secure children's safety.
"The Commission deplores all acts which pose threats to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children," CHR said in a statement.
"We underscore the importance of recognizing the individuality and rights of children whose physical and mental vulnerabilities should not relegate them from receiving equal and proper treatment from adults who are supposedly responsible for their welfare and protection," it added.
The CHR further noted that it is the State's obligation to ensure the protection of children as one of the vulnerable sectors."
The Department of Education-Schools Division Office on Tuesday said it has formed a fact-finding investigation team "to look into the cause of death of Gumikib."
Moreover, the CHR said it also looking into the rape case and killing of a 3-year-old girl from Sultan Kudarat allegedly done by her 72-year-old neighbor.
The CHR extended its condolences to the bereaved families of the two children.
It hopes that its independent investigation will help seek justice and accountability from the perpetrators of these crucial acts.
CHR urged concerned government agencies to provide support and assistance to the victims' families.