The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines will be holding its own investigation regarding the 14-year-old boy who died from the alleged slapping of his teacher.
"The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the cases of violence committed against a 3-year-old child from Sultan Kudarat and a Grade 5 student in Antipolo, Rizal, who had been reportedly slapped by his teacher. In pursuance of our constitutional mandate, CHR is already conducting an independent motu proprio investigation into these incidents," the CHR said in a statement on Thursday.
Francis Jay Gumikib, a grade 5 student from Peñafrancia Elementary School, slipped into a coma and eventually died a few days after he was allegedly slapped by his Filipino subject teacher for being disruptive in class.
On the death certificate, Gumikib's suffered from global brain edema, with an antecedent cause of acute intraparenchymal hemorrhage or bleeding into the brain tissue.
Meanwhile, presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis and child physical abuse were the other significant factors in his death.
Aside from Gumikib's case, a 3-year-old girl who was allegedly killed and raped by their 72-year-old neighbor is also subject to investigation.
"The Commission deplores all acts which pose threats to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children. We underscore the importance of recognizing the individuality and rights of children whose physical and mental vulnerabilities should not relegate them from receiving equal and proper treatment from adults who are supposedly responsible for their welfare and protection," the CHR said.
The commission extended its condolences to the bereaved families of the two child victims, hoping its independent investigation will aid in seeking justice and accountability for the perpetrators.
Moreover, the CHR urged the government to extend its support and assistance to the families' call for justice.
Concluding the statement, CHR said it encourages the government to establish and strengthen legislative, administrative, and social measures that will secure children’s safety in the country.
The autopsy of Gumikib will be released within a week, according to the PNP Crime Lab, which will determine PNP's case to file with the involved teacher.
