DepEd urges witnesses to cooperate in Parañaque school misconduct investigation
IN PHOTOS | Education Secretary Sonny Angara led an extensive physical safety audit and met with parents, teachers, and learners at Parañaque National High School to reinforce learner protection measures as part of the Department of Education's nationwide School Safety Campaign. The initiative underscores a multi-layered security strategy, including enhanced campus monitoring and strong multi-sectoral collaboration, to ensure that public schools remain safe and supportive environments.
DepEd PH
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday urges individuals with information on alleged misconduct involving personnel of Parañaque National High School to come forward, saying complaints are being handled with "extreme urgency, impartiality, and strict confidentiality."
In a statement, DepEd said the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Parañaque is urging all individuals with relevant information to cooperate with the ongoing administrative investigation to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
The investigation stems from allegations of sexual abuse involving certain teachers and learners at the school. Earlier this week, students staged a protest over allegations that some teachers had sexually harassed students.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited the school on Friday, where he reviewed the status of the administrative investigation and met with parents, teachers, learners and alumni.
During the dialogue, Angara assured teachers of the department's support while emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of campus abuse and harassment.
The school's faculty, student leaders and alumni association also expressed support for learner safety and transparency in the investigation, while asking the department to extend support to teachers who are not involved in the allegations but have been subjected to harassment.
"Ang ating pakikipag-usap sa mga magulang, guro, student leaders at alumni association ay patunay na nagkakaisa tayo sa layuning protektahan ang ating mga mag-aaral at gabayan sila sa isang ligtas na kapaligiran," Angara said.
The education chief also conducted a safety audit of the campus, inspecting entrance security, bag inspections using handheld metal detectors, classrooms, the guidance office and the school's closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring system as part of DepEd's nationwide School Safety Campaign.
The department earlier said it had initiated an investigation after videos circulating on social media showed alleged acts of sexual abuse involving certain teachers and learners.
It added that affected learners are receiving psychosocial support and counseling while legal and administrative processes are underway.