THE COMMISSION on Human Rights will conduct a separate investigation into the alleged abuse of students by teachers in Cavite and Camarines Norte.

The Department of Education earlier said that six teachers are being investigated for making alleged sexual advances on students at the Bacoor National High School in Cavite.

A teacher in Camarines Norte will also face administrative proceedings after a viral social media post accused him of verbally abusing a Grade 5 student on the first day of classes.

“Both cases, if confirmed to be true, are condemnable incidents that betray the trust children and parents put in schools as safe havens for learning,” CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

“To ascertain the truth behind these allegations and render aid to those afflicted, the CHR, through its Regional Offices in Region IV-A and V, will be conducting its own independent inquiry into this matter,” she added.

De Guia welcomed DepEd’s swift action on the allegations and urged the department to continue working with educational institutions in strengthening reporting, prevention, and remedial measures in addressing exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other acts of abuse.

“In all of this, CHR reminds educational institutions, including the government as the prime duty holder of human rights, that we must always uphold the best interest of the child,” De Guia said.

“A child’s right to education goes beyond discussions on access, but equally encompasses the quality of education received and the conditions that make learning and development conducive,” she added.