DEPED-ILOILO ASSURES IMPARTIAL PROBE INTO ALLEGED TEACHER SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
25 October 2025
THE DEPARTMENT of Education Schools Division of Iloilo has assured the public that it will conduct a fair and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and abuse involving a teacher from Oton National High School.
Two minor students from the school have accused the teacher of molesting them on separate occasions.
“These allegations are being treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency,” the division office said in a statement released Friday. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to uphold the rights, dignity, and safety of all learners, teachers, and stakeholders within our educational community.”
DepEd-Iloilo emphasized that while it is determined to ensure accountability for any wrongdoing, it also upholds the rights of teachers to a fair and impartial investigation, free from undue public condemnation.
The division said it is working closely with authorities to ensure that all legal and administrative procedures are properly followed.
The agency also urged the public—particularly social media users—to exercise restraint and avoid making premature judgments that could cause further trauma or stigma to those involved.
“The presumption of innocence and the right to due process must be respected as investigations proceed,” the statement added.
Psychosocial support is currently being extended to affected individuals. The division also encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward through proper channels, assuring that such reports will be handled “with compassion and confidentiality.”
In a separate statement issued Thursday, Oton National High School reiterated its commitment to safeguard its students, saying it is addressing the issue “through the proper legal and administrative processes.”
Meanwhile, the Oton Municipal Police Station, through its Women and Children Protection Desk, is preparing evidence and witness accounts for the filing of charges against the teacher under Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
