EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara has initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against a public school principal in Quezon City, involving multiple Grade 10 students.

“Secretary Sonny Angara has already directed the Quezon City Schools Division Office (SDO) to investigate this incident,” DepEd Media Relations Chief Dennis Legazpi confirmed via a Viber message on Friday.

The principal was arrested on Sept. 29 and is facing charges of lascivious conduct under Republic Act No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Initial reports from the SDO of Quezon City indicate that the principal allegedly molested four Grade 10 learners.

In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) has ensured immediate support and intervention for the affected students, including counseling sessions for both the learners and their parents.

“The School Child Protection Committee has been convened to meet with the parents and students to provide psychological first aid and other necessary interventions,” Quezon City Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla stated in a separate message.

Despite the incident, the school continues to operate under an officer-in-charge, and the affected students remain enrolled and attending classes.