TACLOBAN CITY — A public school teacher who made his learners do an air squat in front of his class for bullying a female learner is in hot water after photos and videos of the incident became viral.
Authorities identified the teacher as Rolando Alpino, a Grade 5 teacher at Burabod Elementary School in Burauen, Leyte. He facing an investigation by the Department of Education Leyte Division for possible violation of DepEd's child protection policy due to the incident last 23 October.
The video shows the learners were standing on the front of the classroom in a squatting position while the teacher continues to reprimand them. At some point, three learners were hit with a broomstick on their hand while the teacher was admonishing them.
Reports showed that the video was taken by one of his learners who reportedly showed it to her father who is a vlogger. The father then posted the video and still shots on Facebook and became viral.
The learners were reportedly asked to do an air squat for bullying one of their female classmates. When confronted by the teacher, the learners did not reply but instead laughed at him.
In a public statement, DepEd Leyte said its legal office is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
"The Office is committed to upholding the learners' rights and protection. It is firm in its stance against all forms of violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and any other manifestations of abuse within the educational system," the DepEd Leyte Division said.