DepEd promises confidentiality in Parañaque student harassment inquiry

PHOTO courtesy of DepEd Philippines/FB
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday urged individuals with information regarding alleged sexual misconduct by personnel at Parañaque National High School to come forward, promising that complaints will be handled with confidentiality and urgency.
The statement from DepEd cited that the Schools Division Office of Parañaque is actively seeking cooperation from witnesses to ensure a comprehensive administrative investigation.
The inquiry follows allegations of sexual abuse involving certain teachers and students at the school.
Earlier this week, students staged a campus protest demanding accountability after reports emerged that faculty members had sexually harassed learners.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited the high school Friday to review the status of the investigation and hold a dialogue with parents, teachers, students, and alumni.
During the meeting, Angara assured faculty members of the department’s institutional support while emphasizing that campus abuse and harassment will not be tolerated.
School faculty, student leaders, and the alumni association expressed unified support for student safety and transparency. However, they also requested that DepEd shield teachers who are not involved in the allegations from external harassment.
“Our dialogue with parents, teachers, student leaders, and the alumni association proves that we are united in our goal to protect our students and guide them in a safe environment,” Angara said.
