HS principal posts bail amid sexual assault charge
Despite the explanation, the student’s parents filed formal criminal complaints against the administrator.
The principal of Sta. Rosa National High School in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte was temporarily released from detention after posting P336,000 bail following his arrest on charges of sexual assault and two counts of acts of lasciviousness.
Law enforcement officers arrested the school official in Laoag City before a court granted him temporary liberty upon posting bail.
The charges stem from allegations involving a student, including the alleged online publication of a sensitive photograph of the minor.
The principal previously denied responsibility for the post, claiming his online account had been compromised.
According to the principal’s statement, his account was allegedly hacked on 25 July. He claimed he only became aware of the breach on 27 July, when informed that a sensitive photograph had appeared on his account’s public story.
The principal maintained that the student had previously shared the photograph during private online conversations while seeking advice on personal issues.
He further alleged that an unauthorized individual was controlling the account at the time and uploaded the image without his consent.
The school official stated he informed the student and the student’s parents that he was not responsible for the post.
Despite the explanation, the student’s parents filed formal criminal complaints against the administrator.
The principal took a leave of absence while the allegations were under investigation and has not returned to his post at the high school in Sarrat.
Court officials emphasized that posting bail provides temporary liberty while legal proceedings continue and does not constitute an acquittal or finding of innocence.