The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns in the strongest terms the abuse of four elementary school teachers perpetrated by an unarmed suspect in the municipality of Ocampo in Camarines Sur province on 8 August 2022.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the teachers were preparing for the school opening when they were abused inside the campus. Police also reported earlier that the suspect also took the cellphones and cash of the teachers.

It is reprehensible that our valuable and committed teachers suffered such a brazen act of abuse. It is also utterly alarming that this gender-based violence happened on school grounds, which are supposed to be safe havens for learners and teachers.

As Gender Ombud, the CHR office in Region V is conducting motu propio probe to aid in ensuring justice for the teachers. An initial investigation was conducted 10 August 2022. We call on the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all concerned local agencies to ensure swift accountability of the attacker. This kind of traumatic abuse and crime within schools must be aggressively resolved for the redress of victims and to deter future similar incidents.

CHR recognises the immediate action being done by the DepEd in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Budget and Management in signing a Joint Memorandum Circular that allows the use of the Special Education Fund to hire at least one security personnel for each school. The use of schools as isolation facilities, quarantine facilities, and long-term evacuation centers shall also be prohibited by the issuance to limit the use of school facilities and classrooms for learners and school personnel only. The joint issuance is a concrete step in institutionalizing tighter security and in preventing attacks in school zones.

CHR also urges the PNP to implement proactive measures that will ensure the safety and security of campuses and their surrounding vicinities in preparation for the school opening. Addressing and preventing security concerns in schools deserve utmost priority considering that most school personnel are women and given the vulnerability of young learners. In line with our mandate, CHR is willing and ready to work with DepEd and other concerned agencies in strengthening measures for the protection and welfare of teachers and children in schools. ###