EDUCATION Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to expedite the investigation of the case of Francis Jay Gumikib, who died after he was allegedly slapped by his teacher.

Duterte-Carpio visited the teen’s wake and assured his parents of the Department of Education’s help.

“Ang Regional Office ay binigyan lamang ng hanggang Lunes, October 9, 2023, upang tapusin ang fact finding investigation nito at mag issue ng formal charges na may pansamantalang pagsususpinde laban sa mga sangkot sa isyu. Kasama sa usapan ang posibleng kaso ng child abuse dahil sa pananampal,” she said in a post.

She said DepEd will assist the parents in filing criminal charges if there is basis.

The Vice President added that DepEd will provide psychological first aid for the parents and siblings of the victim.

The mother said that her son came home from school on September 21 crying and reported the alleged slapping of his teacher.

He later complained of severe pain in the ear and headache until he vomited and he was then rushed the hospital. He died several days later.