THE Department of Education has formed a fact-finding investigation team to probe the death of a 14-year-old student in Antipolo City who was slapped by his teacher last September 20.

The DepEd office in Antipolo said it is taking appropriate action to address the alleged child abuse incident in Penafrancia Elementary School.

“We have already forwarded the required intake sheet, incident report and narrative report to the Office of the Regional Director of DepEd Region IV-A for information and appropriate action,” it said.

“As the disciplining Authority, the Office of the Regional Director has issued an order designating a fact-finding investigation team and directing the committee to conduct immediate, cautious and comprehensive fact-finding investigation in recognition of the right of both parties to be heard as part of due process,” it added.

DepEd Antipolo said the school principal has assigned an alternate teacher to handle the classes of the concerned teacher who went on leave.

“We are saddened by the death of our dear learner and we express our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family,” DepEd said.

A report said the victim, Francis Jay Minggoy Gumikib, a Grade 5 student, was hit by his teacher Mirasol Sison which allegedly caused the victim to suffer a severe headache.

On September 26, 2023, because of the intolerable pain, the victim’s mother rushed him to the Amang Memorial Medical Center but the student later fell into a coma. He died on October 2, 2023.